The China Open in Beijing lost two of its top seeds today, including world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova, who withdrew from the tournament because of an abdominal strain.
Kuznetsova, who was part of the winning Russian Fed Cup team last weekend, pulled out of the Tier II event shortly before her first match against American Abigail Spears.
Also exiting the tournament with the top seed today was fifth seed Martina Hingis.
China’s crowd favorite Peng Shuai knocked out the former world number one in straight sets 7-5, 6-1. Hingis has only managed to win four matches since July.
In contrast, two other former Grand Slam champions advanced on Wednesday in Beijing.
Lindsay Davenport kept her singles winning streak alive with a solid 6-0, 6-2 win over her countrywoman Julie Ditty, and third seed Amelie Mauresmo successfully returned from her injury layoff with a 6-2, 6-2 defeat of Ioana Raluca Olaru.
