BOVINA WINS ALL-RUSSIAN AFFAIR

By Chris Davies
January 6 2003

Elena Bovina beat Anastasia Myskina in the all-Russian battle to proceed to the next round. Bovina next faces Olga Barabanschikova who caused an upset.

"I was very happy with my win today, especially beating a Russian girl because we are very competitive with each other," said Bovina.

Russia have eight players in the women's top 50 and Myskina and Bovina are amongst those who are a threat to the top players.

Eighth seed Magdalena Maleeva of Bulgaria beat Italy's Silvia Farina Elia 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.

Conchita Martinez's disappointing start to the season continued as she lost 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 to Olga Barabanschikova, who is ranked 179th in the world.

Former Australian Open and French Open Champion Mary Pierce has pulled out of the tournament because of an abdominal strain, the same injury she sustained this time last year at the Australian Open. Whether she will still take part in the Open is still to be confirmed.