Muguruza, Halep ease through in Cincinnati
Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep led the way for seeds at the WTA Western and Southern Open, breezing through to the Round of 16.
Garbine Muguruza was in imposing form, taking just 65 minutes to defeat Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2 6-0.
After trading breaks over the first four games, the 2017 Wimbledon champion continued to pounce on the Brazilian qualifier's second serve, winning 11 of 12 such points in the opening set.
Despite some trouble on her own serve, the Spanish fourth seed was able to deliver on the big points, holding in the last four games from 30-30.
Muguruza then claimed the bagel and the match, with a dominant 12 of 17 return points in the second set.
Winners on Wednesday (AEST) in Cincinnati included seeds Johanna Konta, Dominika Cibulkova and Venus Williams.
Venus Williams put in a commanding performance against Alison Riske, dropping just two two games to win 6-2 6-0.
The 2017 Australian Open and Wimbledon finalist needed just 66 minutes to go through, even after Riske broke back at 0-2 in the opening set.
After making the last 16 in Toronto last week, Williams was in good touch, finishing the match with a healthy differential of 27 winners to 16 unforced errors.
She will face Australian qualifier Ashleigh Barty, who defeated Varvara Lepchenko 6-4 6-4.
Elena Vesnina will face Caroline Wozniacki in the Round of 32, after she defeated Caroline Garcia in straight sets.
Sloane Stephens continued her solid run of form meanwhile, accounting for Lucie Safarova, as Anastasija Sevastova came from a set down to beat Shuai Peng.
