British number one Katie Boulter advanced to the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Anastasia Zakharova.

Boulter, ranked a career-high 27th in the world, saved two break points in the seventh game of a tight first set, before making the crucial break herself in the 10th.

The second set was one-sided and Boulter won it in just 30 minutes. The highlight was a stunning crosscourt forehand after a long rally in the fourth game.

“I think in the first set I was on another planet,” said Boulter, who also reached the semifinals of the Pan Pacific Open last week.

“She was playing some good tennis. I started at 5-3 and after that I played some really good stuff. I felt free and relaxed on the court.”

Second-seeded Boulter will face Yue Yuan in the semi-finals after the Chinese sixth seed beat American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3.

The 28-year-old is seeking a third win on the WTA Tour this season after wins in Nottingham and San Diego.