Vaidisova looks ahead to greater conquests

Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic led a parade of teenagers into the second round of the Pacific Life Open WTA tournament in Indian Wells, Calfornia, on Thursday night.

The 15-year-old beat the American Mashona Washington 7-6, 6-4, and will now play the 11th seed Karolina Sprem of Croatia. "It was a pretty good effort for a first-round match," said Vaidisova. "I was happy to pull out the tie-break. She plays very quickly and I had to get used to her rhythm."

Vaidisova, now the world No 63 has shot up the rankings since winning her first tournament in Vancouver last August. "Last year I proved I can play on the pro tour," she said. "This year I need to take another step and start beating the big players. It's just a matter of time."

Sesil Karatantcheva of Bulgaria, also 15, progressed with a 6-7, 6-0, 6-2, victory over Germany's Marlene Weingartner while the 16-year-old American wild card Jessica Kirkland saved a match point before overcoming the Russian Galina Voskoboeva 6-2, 0-6, 7-6.

American Angela Haynes knocked out Mara Santangelo of Italy 6-4, 6-4.