Puerto Rico's Kristina Brandi has yet to make the centrecourt at the ASB Tennis Centre but looks to be on course for a quarter-final in front of the big crowds tomorrow.
She defeated Maria Sanchez Lorenzo of Spain 6-4 6-1 on court four in round two of the 2006 ASB Classic to face world number 7 Nadia Petrova of Russia.
The win gives Brandi, 28, her third quarter-final in Auckland following on from 1999 and 2004.
On each occasion she lost to the top seed, Dominque Van Roost and Paola Suarez respectively.
In 2006 she plays another top seed, this time Petrova, but is relaxed about the task ahead.
She said: "Well I think it will be fun. I have nothing to lose. I have never played Nadia before and she's a great player.
"I know it will be a tough match but I will just go out and enjoy the moment, have fun and try to play good tennis."
Other winners on day three were sixth seed Marion Bartoli of France who beat American Laura Granville in three sets. In earlier action second seed Daniela Hantuchova won in straight sets and Nadia Petrova also cruised into the last eight.
Tennis: Brandi steps up
Nadia Petrova on her way to victory over Vera Dushevina today. She now faces Kristina Brandi. Ross Land / Getty Images
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