Li Na cruises into 2nd round at China Open

BEIJING - Chinese number one Li Na was hardly tested in the opening round of the China Open as she swept past Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia in straight sets on Sunday.

The world number five just needed one hour and 30 minutes to defeat her long-time friend 6-0, 6-4 and improved the win/loss record to 3-4.

The first set was lopsided as Li broke her opponent three times and used only 30 minutes to take the set at love.

Hantuchova did not take the first game of the match until she held serve in the fifth game of the second set. The 30-year-old then picked up her momentum to break Li for the first time to pull within 4-3.

However, Li hit the stride in the remaining time before taking the set at 6-4.