Sabine Lisicki advances at the China Open

The German needed little trouble in battling off Venus Williams 6-1 6-2.

Williams had exposed herself as a threat to this years Wimbledon finalist with her impressive run to the Semi final in Tokyo last week.

Lisicki was on top form knocking Venus out with a strong two handed backhand through the centre of the court.

Lisicki advances to a clash with fourth seed Na Li.

There were also wins for Serena Williams today who had to fight hard to get past Italian Francesca Schiavone 6-4 7-5.

Angelique Kerber easily advanced with a 6-1 6-2 victory over british player Laura Robson.

Eleventh seed Sloane Stephens pushed past Canadian Eugenie Bouchard in a three set battle 6-1 1-6 6-4.