World number one Dinara Safina dismantled Anne Keothavong 6-0, 6-0 in her opening match at the French Open on Monday to reach second round.

The Russian top seed produced a devastating display of power and aggression to whitewash Roland Garros newcomer Keothavong, 25, in 61 minutes on centre court.

Safina, bidding for a maiden Grand Slam title, was surprised by such an easy start.

"I came on the court expecting a good match and tough one because she had been playing good in Warsaw. She made semis," the 23-year-old said.

She raced through the first set as her crashing forehands left Keothavong chasing shadows and was equally ruthless in the second, refusing to give any chance even when her 48th-ranked opponent had three game points at 6-0, 3-0 down.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2009)