Pennetta stuns Peer to secure semi-final spot

BANGKOK, Oct 12 (Reuters) Italy's Flavia Pennetta launched an impressive fightback to beat third seed Shahar Peer 3-6 6-4 6-2 and reach the final four of the Bangkok Open today.

A defeat looked on the cards for the seventh seed during the first set but Pennetta clawed back from a set down to qualify for the semi-finals for her third successive tournament.

The Italian took control of the decider as the 16th-ranked Israeli imploded, committing countless errors to go five games behind.

Peer, buoyed up by a few dozen vociferous compatriots in the crowd, had dictated the play in the opening set with some powerful serves and solid backcourt returns.

Pennetta said her match turned around only because she sought treatment for painful blisters on her foot.

''After that, I started to feel better and served much better,'' she told reporters.

''I was nervous beforehand. She is a good player, she's so confident and I knew it was going to be tough.'' REUTERS SSC KN1748