Li Na fights off Cibulkova to reach semis

In a rematch between this year's Australian Open finalists, China's Li Na once again emerged victorious against Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova.

In a tournament that has been packed with surprises and high-profile casualties, the 32-year-old Li has been a model of consistency, ferociously battling through each round.

While their Melbourne meeting ended with a second-set bagel for Li, Thursday's quarterfinal match at the BNP Paribas Open proved to be far more competitive. The top seed needed to rally from behind in the third set, after losing her opening service game, to record the 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory after two hours and 36 minutes.

Sloane Stephens, the lone American woman left in the field, played Flavia Pennetta later Thursday, with the winner advancing to face Li.

The Chinese has struggled with her serve all week and committed eight double faults against Cilbukova, four in the opening set and four more in the third when the pressure was on.

The Slovak also made eight doubles while the pair combined for more than 100 unforced errors.

Li got the decisive break late in the third set and then served out for victory to stay on course for her first title at one of the biggest events outside the Grand Slams.