The former world number one tennis player Venus Williams has advanced to the second round of the Auckland women's Classic in straight sets, beating the Czech wild card, Andrea Hlavackova, 6-3 7-6.
Meanwhile the pairing of New Zealand's Marina Erakovic and Cara Black from Zimbabwe have been beaten in the first round of doubles.
Wild card Abigail Guthrie of New Zealand and Auckland born partner Sacha Jones upset the second seeds in straight sets
