Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament early Wednesday with a straight-sets win.
The No. 3 seed, Kuznetsova, defeated Sorana Cirstea of Romania 7-6 (3), 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, N.Y.
Kuznestova won the U.S. Open in 2004 and reached the final last year, losing to Justine Henin of Belgium. The surprise retirement of Henin in the spring ensured there will be no repeat champion on the women's side.
Second seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia had a tougher outing, defeating Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5 in a match that lasted nearly three hours.
Jankovic, who is looking to reach her first Grand Slam final, has been battling a knee injury since Wimbledon.
Patty Schnyder of Switzerland, seeded 15th, beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia 6-3, 6-3.
No. 5 Elena Dementieva continued her strong play. The Russian, who won gold at the Beijing Olympics, thrashed Pauline Parmentier of France 6-1, 6-2.
Vera Zvonareva was not as fortunate as her Russian countrywomen. Tatiana Perebiynis defeated the No. 8 seed 6-3, 6-3.
Italy's Francesca Schiavone, seeded 25th, was also defeated. Great Britain's Anne Keothavong won their match 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
On the men's side, Nikolay Davydenko of Russia moved on to the second round. The No. 5 seed handled Dudi Sela of Israel 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfred Tsonga of France advanced with a 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Santiago Ventura of Spain.
Ivanovic, Federer reach indoor finals
Ana Ivanovic reached the final of the indoor Generali Ladies tournament in Linz, Austria on Saturday, while fellow top seed Roger Federer made the final of the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
Astros hire Ed Wade as GM
The Houston Astros on Thursday hired former Phillies boss Ed Wade as the new general manager.
Laviolette returning as Hurricanes' coach
Peter Laviolette will remain the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, the club announced on Friday.
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