Kim Clijsters shrugged off a lingering cold to continue her winning form as she beat Daja Bedanova of the Czech Republic in the first round of the Swisscom Challenge.

The sixth-seeded Belgian, fresh from winning the Porsche Grand Prix title in Germany, came back from early breaks in both sets to win 7-5 6-2.

Clijsters needed time to adjust to the slower surface in Zurich, but found her rhythm in the second set to post her sixth straight win.

"It feels like only a few hours ago I was playing on centre court in Filderstadt," said a shivering Clijsters.

"It was hard to get going here, plus I've had colds on and off the past month and I've been sick for a week. But as long as I keep on winning, I'll take that (the cold) with it."

Clijsters will face Amanda Coetzer in the second round.

Daniela Hantuchova, who Clijsters beat in last Sunday's final, struggled against Slovakian compatriot Janette Husarova, winning 7-6 6-1.

Hantuchova admitted to feeling "tired physically", but has already achieved her goal of qualifying for the season-ending Masters.

"I am still going very well mentally, so I am riding on a good trip right now and I hope for it to continue," she said.

Stevenson upset

Eighth seed Anastasia Myskina was made to work for her victory against wild-card entrant Lisa Raymond before prevailing 6-4 4-6 6-2.

But Raymond's compatriot, qualifier Alexandra Stevenson, fared better as she upset Japan's Ai Sugiyama.

The American booked a second-round meeting with fifth seed Jelena Dokic following an impressive 6-3 6-4 win.

Home favourite Patty Schnyder overcame spirited Czech Denisa Chladkova 6-3 6-2.