Later, Peng and Yan both lost in straight sets.

"I lost a lot of easy points, that's how I lost the matches today," Peng said. "Kudryavtseva played very aggressive tennis, she attacked me a lot, but I just couldn't concentrate enough this afternoon."

China's Peng Shuai returns a ball during the women's singles first round match against Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva at the 2008 China Open in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 23, 2008. Peng Shuai lost 0-2. [Xinhua]

In other first round matches, Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak beat Virginie Razzano, Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand defeated Katarina Srebotnik 6-4, 7-5.

The best result in the tournament by a local female player was a semifinal finish by Peng Shuai in 2006, who reached the final in Guangzhou over the weekend.

Serbians Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic are seeded one and two in the $600,000 China Open, with both chasing the women's No 1 spot, currently held by Serena Williams.

The women's top ranking has been in flux since Justine Henin's surprise retirement in May, passing between Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and current No 1 Serena.

"I don't have to prove to anybody or any media about my ability, except to myself. I am only 23 years old, still young, and I have entered Grand Slam finals," Jankovic said.

The US Open finalist, who briefly reached the No 1 ranking in August, said it was good to see change at the top of the women's game.

"All players are outstanding on court, and I will try my best to finish my job, to play tennis," said Jankovic, who lost in last year's final here to Hungary's Agnes Szavay, who won yesterday first round match against Yaroslava Shvedova of Russia 6-4, 6-3.

(China Daily September 24, 2008)