Belinda Bencic claims another shock win in Indian Wells

Belinda Bencic caused another upset at the BNP Paribas Open by beating world number five Karolina Pliskova to reach the semi-finals in Indian Wells.

The 22-year-old Swiss, who knocked out world number one and defending champion Naomi Osaka on Tuesday, won 6-3 4-6 6-3 for her sixth victory this year over opponents in the world top-10.

Bencic could have made life easier for herself against Pliskova but only managed to convert four of her 16 break points against the Czech’s serve.

She will now face Angelique Kerber in the semi-finals after the eighth seed overcame Venus Williams in straight sets.

The reigning Wimbledon champion progressed with a 7-6 (3) 6-3 victory after one hour and 36 minutes on court.

After a gruelling first set, Kerber took advantage in the tiebreaker as Williams totted up the unforced errors.

Williams maintained the pressure in the second set, saving three break points to level at 2-2, but Kerber grabbed a 4-2 lead after a marathon sixth game.

The 31-year-old German then eased through the remainder of the set, serving out the match to love and progressing to her third Indian Wells semi-final.