From correspondents in Europe, 07:52 PM IST

India's Sunitha Rao saw off a stiff challenge from Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic to reach the second round of women's singles in WTA DFS Classic here Tuesday.

Sunitha, who entered the main draw as a qualifier, scored a 7-6(8) 6-4 win. She will now meet local favourite and wild card Naomi Cavaday, who got the better of Jill Craybas of United Staes 6-0 6-4.

Sania Mirza, who is returning to the circuit after a three-month long lay-off due to injury, which forced her to miss the French Open, has been seeded sixth in the Tier III $200,000 event.

Sania got a bye in the first round and will meet the winner of tghe match between Stephanie Dubois of Canada and Marina Erakovic of New Zealand Wednesday.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)