Petra Kvitova has overcome Sorana Cirstea 6-2 5-7 6-2 after a tough contest in the third round of the Rome Open.

The number four seed edged the first set comfortably by executing a number of powerful forehand shots over the clay court.

While Cirstea tried to impose her game in Rome, the 22-year-old could not find enough answers to force a challenge in the opening stages.

While Kvitova looked poised to launch through the second set, Cirstea fought back by snatching the first break of serve and reaching a substantial lead.

Despite a strong start to the second set for the Romanian, the tables began to turn when Kvitova forced through a surprise comeback to draw level on 5-5 but the 22-year-old couldn't keep the momentum and relinquished the set to Cirstea.

Following her brief setback Kvitova managed to resume control and snatch the third set with ease and book a spot in the quarter-finals.