Zheng zaps Keys to open Zhuhai quest

Homegrown star Zheng Saisai got her Zhuhai campaign off to an auspicious start with a straight-sets triumph over third seed Madison Keys of the United States on Tuesday.

Zheng, the world No 40 who entered the WTA Elite Trophy event through a wildcard, thrilled the home crowd at Hengqin Tennis Center as she upset Keys 6-4, 6-2 to avenge a loss to the world No 13 in her debut at the tournament's 2015 edition.

"I think I played pretty solid today," said Zheng. "She didn't put many first serves in, which gave me more opportunities to go into the rallies and start to run her. I think that was the key.