SYDNEY, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Elena Rybakina ended China's Zhang Shuai's run at the Brisbane International on Tuesday night, beating the Chinese veteran 6-3, 7-5 to reach the third round.
Zhang, the world No. 79, was beaten by the 26-year-old third seed in one hour and 12 minutes on center court at the Australian Open warm-up event.
The 36-year-old, who had already played two three-set qualifying matches and a three-set first-round match in Brisbane, fell behind 5-1 in the opening set but won five of the next seven games to put Rybakina under pressure.
"It was a really tough match," said Rybakina, who had not played a competitive match since winning the title at the WTA Finals in November.
"It was not easy, especially in the second set, but I'm happy that I managed to turn it around," she said.
Rybakina's powerful serve proved decisive, with 16 aces, including one on her second match point after Zhang had saved the first.
Rybakina will play either Paula Badosa or Marie Bouzkova in the third round. ■
