Taiwan’s Chang Kai-chen beat Zhang Shuai of China 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 in the first round of the WTA Malaysian Open yesterday but compatriot Chan Yung-jan retired from her match against Russia’s Alla Kudryavtseva trailing 6-0, 3-0.
In another match yesterday, third seed Zheng Jie of China defeated Russia’s Elena Bovina 6-4, 6-3
On Monday Russian-born Australian Anastasia Rodionova upset eighth-seeded Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-4, 0-6, 7-5.
Rodionova has had injuries to her eyes, ankle, leg muscles and hip since 2008. She will next play Russia’s Ekaterina Ivanova, who defeated Darya Kustova of Belarus 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Ayumi Morita of Japan downed Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-4.
additional reporting by staff writer
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