Defending champion Sofia Arvidsson advanced to the quarterfinals of the Cellular South Cup Wednesday after ousting fifth-seeded Australian Nicole Pratt 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Arvidsson, who had won just one WTA-level match this year before coming to Memphis, said that he victory at the Saint Paul ITF event last week had given her a much-needed shot of confidence.

"Winning five singles matches last week gave me a lot of confidence and of course I was very excited to come back to Memphis where I did so well last year."

Top seed Shahar Peer served up a crushing 'double bagel' 6-0, 6-0 win over Venezuela's Milagros Sequera to reach the quarterfinals. The Israeli dropped just 11 points on her own serve. Ranked No. 17, Peer improved her 2007 record to 10-4 by reaching her fourth quarterfinal from five tournament outings this season. The Australian Open quarterfinalist will now attempt to reach her second semifinal of the season (Gold Coast, Australia).

"Today I started off with a double fault but after that I served pretty well," Peer said. "She likes to play at her own pace but I played aggressive and tried to rush her. And obviously when someone wins 6-0, 6-0 the other person has not played their best tennis.

"I had a very good off-season, including one of my hardest months ever with my new team, and I guess that it was worth it."

American Bethanie Mattek (pictured) advanced to the quarterfinals when sixth seed Shennay Perry retired mid-match with a right knee injury.