KUNMING, China, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's top men's singles tennis player Zhang Zhizhen survived an early scare in the first round of the Chinese Tennis Association (CTA) Tour in the city of Anning on Monday, winning a three-set thriller 7-5, 6-7 (2), 13-11 against Li Hanwen.

Zhang broke at 5-5 and wrapped up the first set 7-5. But 17-year-old Li forced him into a tiebreak in the second set, ulimately winning out 7-2.

In the final set, a 10-point tiebreaker, Zhang saved a match point at 9-10 and sealed the victory with a service winner.

Zhang said that while his opponent played an excellent game, he had done a better job at important points.

"I haven't played in a tournament for quite a long time. I still need time to find my rhythm," Zhang said.

Men's singles No. 2 seed Bai Yan crashed out of the tournament after losing in two tiebreakers 7-6 ()4, 7-6 (3) against Mu Tao.

Seeded players in the women's singles, including Han Xinyun, Sun Ziyue and Guo Meiqi moved comfortably through the first round.

In the women's doubles, top Chinese player Wang Qiang and her partner Wang Shuoran progressed to the second round after beating their opponents in straight sets. Enditem

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