Alexandra Dulgheru has progressed through to the quarter-finals of the Italian Open, courtesy of a straight-sets wins over Ekaterina Makarova.

The rank outsider looked impressive throughout to beat her world number eight opponent 6-4 6-3 in Rome.

Dulgheru lost her serve early on in the match, but she managed to recover by claiming five games on the bounce to take the opening set.

Both players struggled to hold in the second set, yet it was Makarova who fared worse as she exited the competition at the third-round stage.