Petrova strolls, Pennetta struggles

Nadia Petrova claimed a routine 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japan's Aiko Nakamura to reach the second round of the Bali Classic on Tuesday.

The fourth-seeded Russian needed just 65 minutes to complete the match, winning 12 of the final 14 points.

"This is a surface (hardcourt) that suits her really well, but I'm quite happy the way I finished off the match well," Petrova told reporters. "I kept the pressure on and felt I was in good condition today.

"I felt comfortable all the way through. I felt good physically. I moved well, I kept the concentration very well from the beginning until the end of the match. So I'm very happy with my performance."

In contrast to Petrova's stroll, third-seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta struggled to gain the advantage over American Vania King, saving a set point before winning 7-6, 6-1.

Pennetta fought off nine of 11 break points in the first set in a contest of hard-hitting baseline rallies, and after edging the tiebreak she took control against a deflated opponent.

Seventh seed Sara Errani, also of Italy, had no trouble in overcoming South African qualifier Natalie Grandin 6-2, 6-1, but eighth seeded Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak was beaten 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 by American Jill Craybas.

Slovak Daniela Hantuchova is the top seed at the $225,000 event, with Switzerland's Patty Schnyder number two.