ORTISEI, December 9, 2016

The semi-finals of the $10,000 Raiffeisen ITF Val Gardena are set. The tournament’s highest remaining seed left in the draw, Deborah Chiesa, defeated Ksenia Palkina Ulukan from Kyrgyzstan 6-1, 7-6. The World No. 485 from Italy sent down six aces and converted four of her seven break point chances to secure victory in one hour and 28 minutes.

Chiesa will next play Caroline Werner from Germany. The 20-year-old ended the winning streak of Swiss qualifier Simona Waltert. The teenager from Chur knocked out top seed Claudia Giovine en route to the stage of the final eight but lost 7-5, 5-7, 5-7 in two hours and 31 minutes.

Fifth favourite Anna-Giulia Remondina of Italy fought past German Sarah Rebecca Sekulic 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to face Laura-Iona Andrei from Romania. The 28-year-old beat Susan Bandecci from Switzerland 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and eight minutes.