China's Li Na has entered the second round of the 600,000 US dollar WTA tier Qatar Open after beating Russian Vera Zvonareva in straight sets.

It took Li Na only one and a half hours to wrap up the match 6-4, 6-4. The drama of the play centered on the two exchanging breaks constantly. Zvonareva broke four out of ten while Li broke six out of 14 to win the close contest.

Former world number one Martina Hingis also recorded an easy victory, 6-1, 6-2, over American M. Washington.

In women's doubles, Australian Open champions, Zheng Jie and Yan Zi, won their opener in two straight sets, defeating Russia's A. Myskina and M. Kirilenko: 6-2, 6-2.

(CRI English February 28, 2006)