Corina Morariu lost her first match since being diagnosed with leukaemia and undergoing chemotherapy in May 2001.

But the American was clearly delighted to have been able to play in the first-round doubles of the Acura Classic at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

Morariu and partner Kimberly Po-Messerli lost 2-6 6-3 5-7 to Chanda Rubin and Meghann Shaughnessy.

An emotional Morariu said: "It's been really special. Probably the nicest thing is the warm reception I received from the crowd. The fans have been very supportive of me."

The match-clinching point came when Morariu netted a backhand volley.

"It was obviously really disappointing, being up in the third and losing. We had some chances," she said.

"But overall, I was pretty happy with the way that I felt out there."

In the key evening match, Mary Pierce of France was beaten by Germany's Greta Arn 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Pierce, who has an astigmatism and is nearsighted, claimed: "When it started getting darker I was having trouble seeing and I had a hard time judging the ball.

"I have problems seeing the ball under the lights."

Earlier, Ashley Harkleroad of the United States defeated Rita Grande of Italy 6-1 7-6 and South Africa's Amanda Coetzer topped American Sarah Taylor 6-2 6-2.

First round results: