China's Li shocks Kuznetsova in third round

LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) Li Na became the first Chinese player in Wimbledon history to reach the singles fourth round when she upset Russian fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6 6-2 6-3 today.

The 24-year-old produced a superb recovery against the French Open runner-up after losing the first set, smashing forehand winners at will on court three.

Kuznetsova's defeat, confirmed when the 2004 US Open champion netted a backhand service return on Li's first match point, made her the highest seed to exit the women's singles so far.

Li was one of a record three Chinese women to have reached the Wimbledon third round this year. She will play either Czech teenager Nicole Vaidisova or Croatian Karolina Sprem in the fourth round.

No Chinese player has been beyond the fourth round of a grand slam singles event. Zheng Jie, who is due to play Belgian second seed Kim Clijsters in the Wimbledon third round later today, reached the French Open fourth round in 2004.

Reuters DH VV2026