The local fans were finally given something to celebrate on Wednesday, as young prospect Agnes Szavay registered the first Hungarian victory at the Gaz de France Budapest Grand Prix, defeating No.7 seed Elena Likhovtseva in straight sets. The main story elsewhere surrounded the unfortunate withdrawal of top seed Tathiana Garbin because of a left hamstring strain.
The injury was aggravated during the Italian's first-round victory over Nuria Llagostera Vives, and the world No.23 evidently concluded that to attempt further progress in the $175,000, Tier III event would be detrimental to the rest of her clay court season. Garbin was involved in two tough, three-set matches during Italy's Fed Cup World Group I victory over China on the weekend; the 29-year-old had been sporting a bandage on her thigh during Tuesday's play.
The day brought better news for fans of Hungarian tennis, as 18-year-old rising star Szavay comfortably defeated No.7 seed Likhovtseva, 64 61. Former junior Roland Garros singles champion Szavay was made to work hard by the experienced Russian in the first set, however, after clinching that, she eased through the second and set up a meeting with Ukrainian No.4 Yulia Beygelzimer.
Gisela Dulko joined Szavay in the second round after a comfortable 62 62 win over young Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova. The No.6 seed from Argentina will now meet Slovakia's Martina Sucha with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.
Eleni Daniilidou completed the line-up for the second round when she defeated German qualifier Greta Arn, 61 46 75. After losing the first set in less than 30 minutes, Arn hit back to force a decider against the No.5 seed. However, in the final set the world No.44 exhibited all her battling qualities to book a quarterfinal meeting with Kristina Barrois.
Luxembourg's Anne Kremer became the first player to win her second-round match when she beat Alberta Brianti of Italy, 64 61. After dismissing No.3 seed Maria Kirilenko on Tuesday, this was Kremer's second consecutive straight sets win. Next up for the former world No.18 will be another Italian in the form of Karin Knapp, who defeated Karolina Sprem 46 62 64 in the last singles match of the day. (WTA)
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