Hantuchova opens title bid in Bali

Top seed Daniela Hantuchova launched her quest for a first career WTA title at the Bali Open on Wednesday with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Ukrainian Olga Savchuk.

The 25-year-old Slovakian, currently ranked 11th in the world, is hoping to go one step further than she did here last year, when she lost in the final to former number one Lindsay Davenport, who was launching her comeback.

Hantuchova won the first set easily against the 121st-ranked Savchuk, but was tested in the second as the underdog mounted a spirited fight in the tropical heat.

Savchuk broke Hantuchova with a passing shot winner for a 4-2 lead, but the Slovakian broke back in the following game, and sealed the victory on her second match point. "She picked up her level the second set," said Hantuchova.

NUSA DUA, Indonesia, Thursday (AFP)