Russians surprise early Open casualties

Russian seeds Elena Dementieva and Nadia Petrova were surprise early casualties at the Australian Open on Monday, both falling in early first round action.

Seventh seed Dementieva slumped to Jelena Jankovic of Serbia and Montenegro 6-1, 6-4 while 10th seed Petrova lost to Hungarian Aniko Kapros 6-3, 6-3.

Vera Zvonareva and Svetlana Kuznetsova fared better in a mixed start for the Russians.

Eleventh seed Zvonareva pounded Czech Zuzana Ondraskova 6-3, 6-1 and 30th seed Kuznetsova breezed past American Shenay Perry 6-3, 6-3.

While Dementieva was left disappointed by the defeat, it marked Jankovic's

best result of her short career.

"It's my first win over a top 10 player...it is my biggest win," the 18-year-old told reporters, "I am just so happy."

Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn, a favourite at the tournament which bills itself as the Grand Slam of Asia, disappointed her fans, losing to Laura Granville of the United States 6-1, 6-3.

But Thai men's 13th seed Paradorn Srichaphan eased past Argentine Jose Acasuso 7-5, 6-4, 6-0.

American Robby Ginepri handily beat Peru's Luis Horna 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 and Chris Guccione won the all-Australian battle over Alun Jones 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.

Source: REUTERS
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