Errani into last four

Italy’s Sara Errani moved closer to capturing her third clay-court title in succession after coasting past compatriot Alberta Brianti to reach the semi-finals of the Budapest Grand Prix.

The world number 27, who won titles in Barcelona last month and Acapulco earlier this year, was never in danger against her 104-ranked opponent and prevailed 6-4 6-0 in 84 minutes.

Errani will play Georgia’s Anna Tatishvili in the last four after the 22-year-old won a marathon clash with Canada’s Aleksandra Wozniak 5-7 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in two hours and 34 minutes.

Fifth seed Marina Erakovic beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 6-2 1-6 6-4 in her quarter-final and will next face Russian Elena Vesnina, who beat sixth seed Petra Martic 6-3 6-2.