Kirilenko downs Hermoso to advance in Mexico

Monterrey (Mexico), April 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti)

Third seed Maria Kirilenko advanced to the second round of the Monterrey Open tennis tournament with a straight-sets win over Ximena Hermoso.

The Russian needed 90 minutes Tuesday to dispatch the Mexican 7-5, 6-1 and set up a second-round matchup with Serbia’s Jovana Jaksic.

Kirilenko, who has one title under her belt this season after winning the Pattaya City event in January, is on course for a semifinal clash with fourth seed Ana Ivanovic of Serbia.

Qualifier Jaksic earned the shot at Kirilenko with a hard-fought victory over another Russian, Vera Dushevina, 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(2).

Dushevina was one of five Russians to exit the tournament in the first round.

Germany’s Angelique Kerber is the top seed for the $235,000 WTA hardcourt event.