Stanford, CA -- (Sports Network) - Top-seeded Serena Williams gained the quarterfinals following a three-set victory Wednesday at the $600,000 Bank of the West Classic tennis event.

Williams, who was this month's Wimbledon runner-up to her older sister Venus, fell behind early against Portugal's Michelle Larcher de Brito and dropped the first set 4-6. However, the confident American assumed control and cruised to the victory with a 6-3 edge in the second set and a 6-2 decision in the third.

Reigning champion Anna Chakvetadze of Russia was also an easy second-round winner Wednesday.

The second-seeded Chakvetadze charged past Israeli Shahar Peer 6-3, 6-4 on the hardcourts at Taube Family Tennis Stadium. The Russian star beat Indian Sania Mirza in last year's title bout here.

In other Day-3 action, Japan's Ai Sugiyama beat fourth seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia, 6-3, 6-1; and promising Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova subdued Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko 6-2, 6-3.

Second round action continues Thursday as third-seeded Vera Zvonareva of Russia takes on Samantha Stosur. Italian six-seed Marion Bartoli squares off against Anne Keothavong, and fifth-seeded Swiss Patty Schnyder faces Russian Alisa Kleybanova.

The 2008 Stanford titlist will collect $95,500.