Zheng, a semifinalist at Wimbledon last year, won the final four games of the third set to defeat Safina 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Safina earned a service break to take a 4-2 lead in the final set.
In the quarterfinals, Zheng will take on Samantha Stosur, who recorded a 6-3, 6-2 win over sixth-seeded Ana Ivanovic. Stosur surprised Serena Williams last week in Stanford before losing in the quarterfinals.
No. 2 seed Vera Zvonareva survived an upset bid when she got past Yanina Wickmayer 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-4.
Zvonareva will face Flavia Pennetta, who was a 6-3, 6-3 winner over Nadia Petrova.
Maria Sharapova rallied to defeat Alona Bondarenko 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 and will play a quarterfinal match against Urszula Radwanska.
Radwanska advanced when Li Na was forced to retire.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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