UKRAINE qualifier Marianna Zakarlyuk emerged victorious from a 166-minute marathon match to advance to the second round of the $60,000 Plexipave Bendigo International Pro Tour on Wednesday.
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On what was a day of mostly one-sided matches, Zakarlyuk’s victory over Australian Jessica Moore was the exception.
Zakarlyuk, returning from shoulder problems, prevailed 7-5, 6-7, 6-4.
Tournament favourite and No.1 seed Arina Rodionova – a previous winner in 2012 – made a comfortable start to her campaign.
Rodionova needed just 57 minutes to dispose of fellow Australian Alison Bai 6-3, 6-0, in a strong showing.
Third seed Destanee Aiava was also in fine form, cruising past Israel’s Julia Glushko 6-1, 6-2 in 60 minutes.
However, not all the seeded players got through unscathed, with both fifth seed Priscilla Hon and eighth seed Erika Sema defeated.
Play continues Thursday.
• Wednesday’s winners – Isabelle Wallace (7), Mai Minokoshi, Marianna Zakarlyuk, Olivia Rogowska (6), Tamara Zidansek (4), Arina Rodionova (1), Destanee Aiava (3), Naiktha Bains, Abigail Tere-Apisah, Jennifer Elie.