U.S. teenager King upsets Kostanic in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Oct 13 (Reuters) American teenager Vania King thrashed eighth seed Jelena Kostanic of Croatia 6-1 6-1 at the Bangkok Open today to reach her second career semi-final.

The 17-year-old, who has conceded only 10 games in the tournament, made short work of her doubles partner Kostanic.

King next faces countrywoman Meghann Shaughnessy after the sixth seed put out Aiko Nakamura of Japan 6-2 6-4.

France's Severine Bremond saved two match points in the second set as she defeated fifth-seeded Greek Eleni Daniilidou 4-6 7-6 6-3.

Bremond next plays Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn, who ousted Austrian Sybille Bammer 6-0 6-2.

King, who turned professional in July and reached the second round at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, said she expected a tougher contest against Kostanic.

''I didn't go into the match expecting to win so easily,'' the unseeded King told reporters.

''I'm serving well and playing really well. I have got lucky because I don't think my opponents have been on top of their game.'' King said she was aiming to better her game rather than win titles.

''I'm thinking all the time about my improvement,'' she said.

''Before this tournament my results weren't good but now I'm improving and that's what matters most to me.'' Shaughnessy is expecting a difficult encounter with King tomorrow.

''I've got a tough match but I'm feeling confident,'' said the experienced American. ''I'm hitting the ball well and serving well and hoping to get another title here.'' Reuters KD DB2339