Keothavong is working her way back towards the top 100 after injury

British number three Anne Keothavong is through to the second round in Fes after overcoming France's Julie Coin.

Keothavong, ranked 111 in the world, recovered from a terrible second set in the Moroccan city to win 6-3 0-6 6-4.

Coin, the world number 79, built what had looked a commanding 4-2 lead in the decider before her opponent reeled off four games in a row to seal the win.

British number two Katie O'Brien beat France's Pauline Parmentier 6-2 4-6 6-3 to set up a clash with Renata Voracova.

O'Brien, ranked 110 in the world, dominated the first set before being pegged back in the second.

The wind blew most of the clay off the court, wasn't sure what surface I was playing on in the end! Anne Keothavong

But the 23-year-old from Yorkshire showed her battling qualities as she recovered to take the third set and with it victory over the 95th-ranked Frenchwoman in a little under two hours.

"I was really pleased to come through my first match of the year on clay, especially as I haven't had ideal preparation.

"I only started hitting on the clay a few days ago, as I was stranded in South Africa for six days where there weren't any clay courts.

"I had to take five flights over two days to get to Fes, but I've recovered well, all considered."

606: DEBATE Your reaction to Keothavong and O'Brien's victories

She will meet Voracova in the next round after the Czech knocked out fourth seed Melinda Czink.

Keothavong, 26, admitted that she struggled with the weather conditions, saying on Twitter: "Got the win in three ugly sets today.

"The wind blew most of the clay off the court, wasn't sure what surface I was playing on in the end!"

Keothavong will play Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro in the second round.

The Grand Prix De Sar La Princesse Lalla Meryem, in its 10th year on the WTA calendar, is the tour's only stop in Africa.

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