China's Li thrashes Schiavone in Beijing

BEIJING: Chinese star Li Na thrashed Francesca Schiavone of Italy in straight sets on Sunday, progressing to the second round of the China Open in Beijing with ease and delighting the home crowd.

Asia's top women's player, who needs a strong showing this week to qualify for the WTA Championships in Istanbul next month, dominated the match throughout, taking the first set 6-2 and the second 6-3.

Li's quick, aggressive style had her opponent on the back foot right from the start and the pressure got to the Italian, who hit nine double faults in the first set and another three in the second. (AFP)