Top seed Simona Halep had to come from behind for a second straight day, overhauling Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the Dubai Championships semi-finals.
Halep, who had saved a match point in knocking out Ons Jabeur 24 hours earlier, said she had to pick up her pace after losing the first set.
"Everything was a little bit fast, too powerful. When I got the rhythm, it was much easier for me to feel the game," said the world number two on Thursday.
"I played quicker in the second and third set. She didn't have time to hit the ball. I think that was the key of the match.
"It's good to have tough matches. I'm here to give everything I have to win every match I play. I'm happy with these matches."
"Maybe I didn't play my best tennis, but I stayed in there, competed and came out on top."