Ivanovic through to Birmingham quarterfinals

BIRMINGHAM - Serbia's Ana Ivanovic sailed through to the quarterfinals of the WTA tournament in Birmingham, after beating American Lauren Davis in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 on Thursday.

Top seed Ivanovic proved worthy of the role of favorite after defeating the young U.S. player, for the second time this season, in just 67 minutes.

The Serb will next face Czech Klara Koukalova, who beat CoCo Vandeweghe of the United States 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4. Ivanovic leads the head-to-head with Koukalova 2-1.

The total prize fund for the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, England, is USD 710,000.

Ap Photo/Martin Rickett/PA