Cibulkova scrapes into Malaysian Open semis

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - World number 10 Dominika Cibulkova narrowly beat Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas Friday to advance into the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open.

The Slovakian top seed struggled against sixth seed and world number 93 Diyas, losing the first set before eventually gaining the upper hand for a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 win.

Cibulkova, 24, who is seeking her fifth career WTA Tour title, will now meet third seed and defending champion Karolina Pliskova.

The Czech world number 75 defeated Turkey's Cagla Buyukakcay 6-4, 6-4 in her quarter-final.

Second seed Zhang Shuai of China secured her semi-final place and will face seventh seed Donna Vekic Saturday.

Zhang, the world number 45, defeated Magda Linette of Poland 6-2, 2-6, 6-1, becoming the first Chinese to reach the competition's semi-finals.

"I was emotional after winning," said the 25-year-old, who has come back after suffering from a shoulder injury.

Croatia's Vekic, who at 17 is the youngest player in the main draw, beat fourth seed Patricia Mayr-Achleitner of Austria 6-4, 7-5.