Angelique Kerber has battled into the third round of the Wuhan Open with a three-set win over Kazakhstani youngster Zarina Diyas.

Both players struggled to hold serve during a sloppy opening set, but it was Diyas who earned a vital third break to close it out 6-4.

However, world number nine Kerber opened up a commanding 3-1 lead in the second before going on to take it 6-2 to level the contest.

The German stuttered at the start of the decider as Diyas moved 4-2 ahead, though the youngster's dominance was short-lived as Kerber reeled off four straight games to seal the win 4-6 6-2 6-4.