Radwanska, Li, Serena advance

Li Na joined top seed Serena Williams in the second round of the China Open in Beijing on Sunday. The Chinese star opened her bid for her biggest title on home soil in stunning fashion by winning every game in the first set against Daniela Hantuchova, much to the enjoyment of her fans at Beijing’s National Tennis Centre. But the world number five had to overcome a late surge from her Slovakian opponent which sent jitters through the home crowd. Joining her in the second round is top seed and 2004 champion Williams. The American claimed victory over Russia’s Elena Vesnina 6-4, 6-2. Another former champion, Agnieszka Radwanska, overcome early tournament nerves to cruise through to the next stage. The Polish world number four and 2011 winner in Beijing lost the opening set of her first-round match to a feisty Stefanie Voegele, who is ranked 52 places behind her. But the tournament’s third seed recovered her composure to seal a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory which sent her Swiss opponent out at the first hurdle. British number one Laura Robson also won her opening game in Beijing, with a three set victory over Czech Klara Zakopolava. But it was heartbreak for Australia’s top player, Samantha Stosur. The 15th seed lost in two sets to Czech Lucie Safarova, 7-5, 6-3.