Qatar Open

Francesca Schiavone was easily beaten by Svetlana Kuznetsova in the first round of the Qatar Open.

The Russian overpowered the sixth seed 6-2 6-3.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Mary Pierce put in a typically inconsistent performance, but came through her first-round match in three sets.

Pierce was troubled by a stiff back, but beat German Anca Barna 6-2 2-6 6-3.

Pierce dropped serve to trail 2-1 at the start of the third set, but came back after receiving courtside treatment on her back for 10 minutes.

Barna seemed to lose her concentration after the break and Pierce sealed her place in the next round against second seed Anastasia Myskina.

Antwerp Open

Swiss teenager Myriam Casanova lined up a second round clash with home favourite Kim Clijsters with a straight sets win over Belgian Kirsten Flipkens.

The 17-year-old won 6-3 7-5 and now faces the second seed, who received a first round bye.

Venus Williams is the top seed in Antwerp.