Tuesday 23 June 2015 15:38, UK
Former Grand-Slam finalists Svetlana Kuznetsova and Dominika Cibulkova are safely through to the second round of the Eastbourne International.
Russia’s Kuznetsova, a former winner of the French Open and US Open, edged out Magdalena Rybarikova in a closely contested match at the grass court tournament.
She converted all four of her break points on the way to a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win to set up a clash against Flavia Pennetta.
Cibulkova, a runner-up at the Australian Open last year, defeated British wild card Harriet Dart 6-1 6-3 and will next face 2014 Wimbledon semi-finalist Lucie Safarova.
British No 1 Heather Watson is also through the next round after beating Varvara Lepchenko in straight sets.
With play suspended due to rain when the action was due to get under way on Monday morning, Watson's match against her American opponent finally got started just before 6pm on Centre Court.
After edging a first set tie-break, Watson came through with ease, triumphing 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.
Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania suffered a 6-4 6-2 defeat to Czech Barbora Strycova, Australia's Jarmila Gajdosova hit back to beat fellow qualifier Lauren Davis of the United States 2-6 6-2 6-1, while Camila Giorgi of Italy eased past American Christina McHale 6-2 6-3.
American Madison Brengle bowed out following a 7-5 6-4 loss to Slovakia’s Polona Hercog, but her compatriot Irina Falconi advanced with a 6-1 6-1 win over Romania’s Alexandra Dulgheru.
