Baltacha offers hope in defeat

One of Britain's leading prospects, Elena Baltacha, gave an indication here yesterday that she is on the mend after missing fourth months of the season because of illness. The 18-year-old British No 3 dug deep before losing 6-1 6-3 to Magui Serna, of Spain, in the first round of the DFS Classic. Baltacha was 2-0 ahead in the second set when play was postponed because of rain. When she resumed two hours and 15 minutes later at 30-40, she immediately lost the point and saw her service broken.

Serna, the No 13 seed, then took control and won a further three games before Baltacha hit back. It was not enough, however, and she had to concede defeat to an opponent ranked 197 places above her in the world at 41.

"The second set was much better than the first," Baltacha said. "My service wasn't good enough in the first set. I got back into the match and was 2-0 up but she is not high up the rankings for nothing. I lost four months from November with chicken pox, food poisoning and tonsillitis but I am fully fit now. I just need to play more competitive matches as I know I have a lot of improving to do."

For the second successive day play was curtailed because of heavy showers. Last year's beaten finalist, the Netherlands' Miriam Oremans, moved into the second round by defeating Marissa Irvin, of the United States, 6-2 6-2.