Azarenka eases through in China

Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka survived a tricky test with a straight-sets win over Sabine Lisicki in the China Open.

The world number one battled through a tough first set before easing past the lively German and into the third round with a 6-4 6-2 triumph in 80 minutes.

Azarenka, current Australian Open champion and US Open runner-up, will next play Russian Elena Vesnina.

There was also joy for reigning champion Agnieszka Radwanska, third seed in Beijing, who Chinese wild card Zhang Shuai 6-2 6-3.

Chinese home favourite Li Na easily dispatched Russian Nadia Petrova 6-1 6-2.

Petrova, frustrated to lose against the former French Open champion, said: "It was a tough draw to play Li Na at home.

"I also played so many matches and spent so many hours on the court in Tokyo, so not only was I a bit fatigued, I had a slight injury in my leg. So today was pretty difficult."

There were also victories for fifth-seeded Angelique Kerber, Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki and former top-ranked Jelena Jankovic.