Laura Robson defeats Venus Williams in Rome

Great Britain's Laura Robson knocked former world number one Venus Williams out of the Rome Masters courtesy of a 6-3 6-2 success this afternoon.

Robson, who was competing in the Italian capital following her defeat to Ana Ivanovic in Madrid last week, began the encounter positively and opened up a 4-1 advantage.

The experienced Williams was able to get two more games on the board, but she was unable to prevent 19-year-old Robson from claiming the opening set.

The next set was even more straightforward for the British number one, who broke Williams on two further occasions to book her place in the next round of the competition.

She will now take on Williams's sister and current world number one Serena Williams.