Li Na had a relatively easy win today with two straight sets 6-3, 6-4. She will take on No.4 seed Maria Sharapova of Russia in the third round.

The victory also propelled Li Na to be the third Chinese player to join the top 32 at the Open. Chinese Li Fang and Yi Jingxian had previously reached that plateau in 1992 and 2000.

Earlier, Peng Shuai, another Chinese girl, also cruised into the second round after an easy win over world No. 43 Maria Elena Camerin of Italy.

The 19-year-old Peng continued her latest sizzling performance, defeating her opponent in less than one hour in two straight sets: 6-1, 6-2. The Australian Open debutant also recorded three aces. Peng's next rival is No.8 seed Venus Williams of the United States.

In the women's doubles, China has two pairs entering the second round. Peng Shuai and Janet Lee of Chinese Taipei rallied from behind to throw their rivals, No.13 seeds Francesca Schiavone and Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-7, 6-4, 6-2. No.10 seeds Li Ting and Sun Tiantian also defeated Marta Marrero and Antonella Serra Zanetti 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the next round.

(China.org.cn and CRI January 19, 2005)