PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) — Vera Zvonareva began her quest for a third Pattaya Open title by putting away local qualifier Varatchaya Wongteanchai 6-2 7-5 Tuesday.
The top-seeded Zvonareva faced three break points at 5-5 0-40, but the 2009 and 2010 champion summoned powerful serves to get off the hook and win the last two games.
The Australian Open doubles winner moved on to meet Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan, who beat Laura Robson when the Brit retired 5-2 down.
Eighth-seeded Vania King of the United States tamed Heather Watson of Britain 6-4, 6-2, but No. 6 Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan retired sick while trailing Thai veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-3, 4-2.
