Angelique Kerber has claimed a place in the Paris Open quarter-finals after defeating Monica Niculescu 6-3 4-6 6-3.

The first set was fairly even in the early stages of the contest, with the match going the way of serve until Kerber forced the break, which pushed her to take the lead.

The 24-year-old German pro continued to control the game and take the first advantage in the second set over her Romanian challenger.

Despite Kerber's dominance, Niculescu managed to launch a comeback and draw level, forcing through a third and deciding set in Paris.

While the Romanian pro displayed an impressive fightback in the second set, Kerber proved too much for Niculescu and managed to snatch the win and progress to the third round.

Kerber will go head to head with number one seed Maria Sharapova for a spot in the semi-final of the Paris Open.