Schnyder makes smooth progress in Toronto

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Toronto, Aug 14: Patty Schnyder continued her impressive buildup to the US Open today as she eased to 6-3 6-2 first round win over Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues at the Toronto Cup.

The 10th seeded Swiss struggled in the gusty conditions before prevailing in a sloppy opening set that featured five breaks. She seized command with an early break in the second sending her Spanish opponent to a first round exit for the third consecutive year.

The Swiss has enjoyed a solid start to the hard court campaign, reaching the quarter-finals in Cincinnati and Stanford before falling to Maria Sharapova in three sets in the final at San Diego.

Israel's Shahar Peer had a tougher passage, the 11th seed battling past Dutchwoman Michaella Krajicek 7-5 7-6.

The Toronto Cup has been hit by the withdrawals of Sharapova and Venus Williams but the 1.3 million dollars event still boasts four of the world's top five players led by number one Justine Henin.

The Belgian returns to the court for the first time since a semi-final loss to Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli at Wimbledon.

Reuters >