Jankovic, Serena advance in Italy

Defending champion Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams advanced to the Italian Open quarterfinals Thursday. The fourth-seeded Jankovic routed Maria Kirilenko 6-1, 6-1 and Williams overcame some erratic moments before eliminating Italian wild card Sara Errani 6-4, 6-3. Also advancing Patty Schnyder, who edged last year's Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7). Second-seeded Maria Sharapova was playing later against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, with the winner to face Schnyder. [link]