World No. 29-ranked Czech
Iveta Benesova is the top seed this week at the
Estoril Open, joined by No. 2-seeded poster girl
Maria Kirilenko of Russia, and surprise
Charleston winner
Sabine Lisicki of Germany.
Other seeded players are
Sorana Cirstea,
Petra Kvitova,
Ekaterina Makarova,
Shahar Peer and Anna-Lena Groenefeld.
All three wildcards went to Portuguese players in
Neuza Silva who drew the top-seeded Benesova,
Frederica Piedade who faces
Maret Ani, and Maria Joao Koehler against Kristina Barrios.
Kirilenko is the defending champion, beating Benesova in straight sets in the singles final, then teaming with
Flavia Pennetta to claim the doubles title.
Portuguese teenager Michelle Larcher de Brito booked her place in the final round of qualifying, and the Florida-based right-hander will meet Russian
Elena Bovina for a place in the main draw.
