Wozniacki closes in on No 1 ranking

(GETTY IMAGES)

Caroline Wozniacki is one win away from taking Serena Williams' spot at the head of the world rankings after a straightforward victory over Sara Errani at the China Open yesterday.

Following the Dane's victory in the Pan Pacific Open last week, she knew a quarter-final spot in Beijing would be enough to end Williams' six-month stint at No 1. Wozniacki made no mistake in her second-round tie, seeing off Italian Errani 6-4, 6-2. However, the 20-year-old will not underestimate her third-round opponent Petra Kvitova after the 6-2, 6-0 loss she suffered at the hands of the Czech in the fourth round at Wimbledon this year.

Second seed Vera Zvonareva is also through to the quarters.