Top-seeded Maria Sharapova has her first clay-court victory of the season, struggling past Russia's Regina Kulikova 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the first round of the Strasbourg International.
Sharapova has been hampered by an injury to her right elbow this season and lost in the first round at Madrid last week. The former No. 1 player will next face Tatjana Malek of Germany or a qualifier.
Second-seeded Elena Vesnina was eliminated Monday, beaten by doubles specialist Vania King of the U.S. 6-4, 6-1. Vesina next plays France's Alize Cornet, who beat Taiwan's Yung-Jan Chan 6-3, 6-3.
Anastasia Rodionova of Australia also advanced to the second round with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Ayumi Morita of Japan.