World number one and three-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka cemented her dominance at the Wuhan Open on Friday, extending her winning streak at the event to 20 matches with a 6-3, 6-3 quarter-final victory over eighth seed Elena Rybakina.
The victory makes Sabalenka only the fourth female player since 1990 to win her first 20 main draw matches at a single WTA event.
The 27-year-old Belarusian, who recently retained her US Open title, will face American Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Pegula secured her 50th win of the season after fighting back to beat Katerina Siniakova 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 in the other quarter-final.
“I feel at home every time playing here,” said Sabalenka, noting her “really great connection” with the fans in China.
The remaining quarter-finals will see second seed Iga Swiatek take on Jasmine Paolini, while third seed Coco Gauff faces Laura Siegemund.
