ELENA BALTACHA began 2012 in positive fashion with a 6-2 4-6 6-3 win over New Zealand’s Sacha Jones in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The British number one battled tough conditions to overcome the 21-year-old wildcard and set up a second-round tie with fourth seed Flavia Pennetta.
She said: “First matches are always tricky, especially when you haven’t played a match in a long while, so it’s a good one to get through.
“It was very windy out there and she had a lot of support so I’m pleased to get the win and get a good start to 2012.”
Anne Keothavong failed to make it through to the main draw as she lost in the final qualifying round, 6-1 6-4 against Jamie Hampton of the United States.
