Sun, Dominguez Lino Shine in Guangzhou Openers

Posted on September 26, 2006

GUANGZHOU, China -- No.5 seed Lourdes Dominguez Lino was one of three Guangzhou International Women's Open winners Monday, as first round action kicked off at the Tier III hardcourt event.

The Spaniard was the only seeded player in action. She defeated Anne Keothavong, 63 64, to set up a second round meeting with either Alicia Molik or Vania King. Dominguez Lino had an impressive showing at Forest Hills last month when she reached her second Sony Ericsson WTA Tour semifinal and broke into the Top 40 for the first time.

Tzipora Obziler also won her first round match, 62 60, against Hungary's Aniko Kapros. The Israeli veteran, who spent most of her career on the ITF circuit, led Top 20 star Daniela Hantuchova 5-1 in first set and 5-3 in the third this year but fell, 75 36 75, in the Auckland quarterfinals.

Sun Tiantian beat countrywoman Li Ting, 60 63, on Monday and will next face either No.2 seed Li Na or Galina Voskoboeva. Elisa Tamaela, Ren Jing, Hao Jie and Sun Shengnan won their qualifying matches to save a spot in the main draw.
-- WTA