Rediffmail Money rediffGURUS BusinessEmail

Petrova strolls, Pennetta struggles

September 09, 2008 22:40 IST

Nadia Petrova claimed a routine 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japan's Aiko Nakamura to reach the second round of the Bali Classic on Tuesday.

The fourth-seeded Russian needed just 65 minutes to complete the match, winning 12 of the final 14 points.

"This is a surface (hardcourt) that suits her really well, but I'm quite happy the way I finished off the match well," Petrova told reporters. "I kept the pressure on and felt I was in good condition today.

"I felt comfortable all the way through. I felt good physically. I moved well, I kept the concentration very well from the beginning until the end of the match. So I'm very happy with my performance."

In contrast to Petrova's stroll, third-seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta struggled to gain the advantage over American Vania King, saving a set point before winning 7-6, 6-1.

Pennetta fought off nine of 11 break points in the first set in a contest of hard-hitting baseline rallies, and after edging the tiebreak she took control against a deflated opponent.

Seventh seed Sara Errani, also of Italy, had no trouble in overcoming South African qualifier Natalie Grandin 6-2, 6-1, but eighth seeded Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak was beaten 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 by American Jill Craybas.

Slovak Daniela Hantuchova is the top seed at the $225,000 event, with Switzerland's Patty Schnyder number two.

MORE FROM REDIFF

WEB STORIES

What Makes Oppo K14 Lite Stand Out

10 Unforgettable Monsoon Moments

What Samsung Galaxy A07s Offers

VIDEOS

NEWS BUSINESS MOVIES CRICKET SPORTS GET AHEAD REDIFF-TV REDIFF ASTRO MOBILE RECHARGE BILL PAYMENTS