Likhovtseva Into Semis Without Hitting a Ball at WTA Forest Hills

Top-seeded Russian Elena Likhovtseva advanced to the semis without hitting a ball Thursday when France's Marion Bartoli repeated her feat from last week, pulling out of the semifinals with blisters on her hand.

In other quarterfinal action, Belgian (WC)Kirsten Flipkens ousted (2)Emilie Loit, Spaniard Anabel "Funky Cold" Median Garrigues edged Kristina "You're a Fine Girl" Brandi 7-6 in the third, and (4)Iveta "Not Lose" Benesova outlasted Katarina Srebotnik 6-1 in the third.

Likhovtseva bullied her way to the final in Montreal a few weeks back as an unseeded player before losing to Amelie Mauresmo.

Friday's semifinal line-up will be (1)Likhovtseva vs. Funky Cold, and (WC)Flipkens vs. (4)Benesova.