Tennis: Peng shocks Kuznetsova

Elena Vesnina has pulled put of the ASB Classic. Photo / NZPA

China's Shuai Peng has provided the first major upset at the ASB Classic after shocking third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets.

Peng advanced to the quarterfinals after beating the two-time Grand Slam champion 6-2 4-6 6-4 on centre court.

Russian top seed Maria Sharapova is due up next on centre court to play Renata Voracova of the Czech Republic.

Meanwhile former runner-up Elena Vesnina retired from the tournament in the final set against Romanian Simona Halep.

The Russian seventh seed complained of dizziness when she withdrew with Halep ahead 2-6 6-4 4-0.

A finalist two years ago, Vesnina beat New Zealand wildcard Marina Erakovic in the opening round yesterday.

She became the second seeded player to depart the tournament after No 6 seed Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan, who lost to Ukranian wildcard Kateryna Bondarenko on the opening day.

- Herald online/NZPA