Lisicki outpaces Krejcikova in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR — Third seed Sabine Lisicki overcame gutsy Czech opponent Barbora Krejcikova in humid conditions Wednesday to advance to the next round of the Malaysian Open in a week that saw top players crashing out. The 26-year-old Lisicki, who looked in fine form, beat Krejcikova 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 45 minutes to go through to the quarterfinals. Earlier Slovakia’s Kristina Kucova defeated seventh seed Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in one hour and 50 minutes. Also advancing to the next round is Canada’s sixth-seeded Eugenie Bouchard. Bouchard, 22, took just over one hour to dispose of Japan’s Kurumi Nara 6-1, 6-2. China’s Wang Qiang beat her compatriot Duan Ying-Ying 6-4, 6-4. Two top stars had crashed out Tuesday. Fourth seed Annika Beck of Germany, a two-time WTA Tour winner, went down to world No. 95 Zarina Dyas of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-3. Top seed and world No. 10 Roberta Vinci of Italy was meanwhile sent crashing out by Taiwan’s Chang Kai-chen 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Venus ends boycott Venus Williams will end her 15-year boycott of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells next week, following in the footsteps of sister Serena who returned to the event last year. The 35-year-old former world No. 1 has not played the prestigious Californian event since 2001, when she and Serena were booed by sections of the crowd. Explaining her decision to return to the tournament in a commentary on The Players Tribune website, Williams said the criticism directed at her family had left a lasting mark on her. Djokovic upbeat about Davis Cup Novak Djokovic was upbeat about his prospects of leading Serbia against Kazakhstan in this weekend’s Davis Cup tie, after pulling out of a tournament last week with an eye infection. The world No. 1 retired from the Dubai Championships quarterfinal against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez Thursday, but said he was on track to take part in the tricky first round home tie against last year’s quarterfinalists. “All is going well regarding my recovery and I am optimistic about playing in the tie,” Djokovic, who appeared without the protective glasses he had worn since the problem appeared, told a news conference. “I was very skeptical about playing at first, but I still have two days left to adapt to the light and other indoor conditions and hopefully I will be OK.” Serbia won its first Davis Cup title in 2010 at the bigger Kombank Arena but will play the Friday-Sunday tie at Belgrade’s 7,000-seater Pionir Hall, known for generating an electric atmosphere. “We must not underestimate Kazakhstan as they are a team comprising top-quality players and have come here devoid of any pressure because we are the favorites.” Victory could see Djokovic pitted against ATP Tour rival and world No. 2 Andy Murray in the second round, should holder Britain overcome Japan. — Agencies