Hantuchova comeback continues

Daniela Hantuchova proved her recent title win in Pattaya was no fluke as she fought back from a break down in the final set to knock sixth seed Victoria Azarenka out of the Qatar Ladies Open in Doha last night.

Hantuchova, whose triumph in Thailand was her first in more than four years, showed plenty of spirit as she battled back from dropping the first set to win the first round clash 4-6 6-1 6-2.

Azarenka was the only seed to fall on day two although Dubai finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova suffered a surprisingly one-sided 6-2 6-4, 80-minute defeat to Israel's eighth seed Shahar Peer.

Fifth seed Jelena Jankovic beat wild card Falma Al Nabhani of Oman 6-1 6-3, Dominika Cibulkova edged past Jarmila Groth in a marathon final set tie-break, and Vera Dushevina and Flavia Pennetta were also winners.