By McCarton Ackerman
(February 14, 2013) RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., – The third edition of the Fresh Start Women’s Open at the Morgan Run Club continued on Thursday with all second round singles and quarterfinal doubles matches being played. American qualifier Sanaz Marand pulled off a shock win against former top 40 player and US Olympian Jill Craybas, the No. 4 seed in the event, while reigning NCAA champion and No. 2 seed Nicole Gibbs also moved into the quarterfinals.
In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, Marand prevailed in a two-hour match against Craybas 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. The win marked only the second time that Marand has also advanced to the quarterfinals of a challenger event in her career. In 2012, she jumped nearly 550 spots in the rankings and is currently at a career high of No. 501.
“It’s definitely my biggest win ever,” said Marand. “I’ve been trying to stay positive and go for my shots during this tournament in the same way that I do in training.”
The former U...
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