Elena Baltacha is through to the main draw of the Moorilla Hobart International, knocking out former champion Anna Chakvetadze in the final round of qualifying today.
The British No.1 female player, Baltacha, is sitting at a career high 84 in the world following a solid year on both the Sony Ericsson WTA and IT F tours.
Reaching the second round at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 2009, Baltacha won three ITF events, was a semifinalist in two and a quarterfinalist in another two.
“I’m very pleased with the way I handled the match today. I stayed very focused and fought for every single point. It was a very difficult match, I felt I worked hard physically and I stayed tough in the rallies and took my opportunities when they came my way,” Baltacha said.
“Overall I’m very pleased and delighted to have qualified again for the second week (qualified in Auckland last week). It is a great start to my 2010 campaign.”
News was not so good for defending champion Petra Kvitova, who fell to Kristen Flipkens in straight sets 6-3 7-6(4).
Another former champion Michaella Krajicek is also out of the tournament overpowered by Alla Kudryavtseva in straight sets, 6-0 6-2.
Italian Roberta Vinci will take the last spot in the main draw following a victory over fellow countrywoman Alberta Brianti, 6-4 6-3.