British women crash in Melbourne

Anne Keothavong was the only British woman to win a set

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Monday, 19, Jan 2009 09:46

National number one Anne Keothavong was one of three British women to be knocked out of the Australian Open on the first day of the championships.

Keothavong joined compatriots Mel South and Katie O'Brien on the sidelines after failing to overcome her opponent, 17th seed Anna Chakvetadze, in the first round of the grand slam.

South also suffered a defeat to a seeded player, losing 6-2 6-4 to former Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli - seeded 16th at the Australian Open this year.

And O'Brien, who was handed the easiest draw of the three women in the first round against Romania's Monica Niculescu, lost out in straight sets 6-4 6-4.

Keothavong put up a brave fight against Chakvetadze in her match, taking the impressive Russian to a third and final set despite losing the first set 6-1 in double-quick time.

The Briton bounced back with a win in the tiebreak to force Chakvetadze to go the distance with her.

But the world number 18 was too strong as she blew away Keothavong in the third, 6-1.