World number two Jelena Jankovic started her China Open campaign on a winning note Wednesday while local star Zheng Jie restored pride for the host nation by winning her first round match.
Top seed Jankovic will play Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova in the quarterfinals after beating Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak 6-3, 7-5. In a see-saw match Hantuchova beat Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1, 0-6, 7-5.
Play was suspended until mid-afternoon due to steady rain, and when the action resumed, Zheng completed a 6-2, 6-3 win over Agnieszka Radwanska.
Zheng is the only local woman to reach the second round after the four others disappointed home fans with first-round losses.
The Wimbledon Open semifinalist said her first round victory over the 10th-ranked Pole would be a boost.
"To beat a top-ten player I think will give me more confidence and I hope I will end the year with a higher ranking," said Zheng.
On the men's side, fifth seed Fernando Verdasco eased through against Bobby Reynolds 6-3, 6-3 and U.S. eighth seed Sam Querrey came from one set behind to edge compatriot Jesse Levine 1-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4).
(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2008)