Kournikova's on song in Hong Kong

Kournikova will face Capriati in the second round

Anna Kournikova beat Olga Barabanschikova of Belarus 6-4 6-1 in the Watson's Water Challenge in Hong Kong.

The 19-year-old Russian, who has been mobbed by fans since her arrival in the territory, will play Jennifer Capriati in the second round on Friday for a place in Saturday's final.

American Capriati won her opening match in the exhibition tournament, beating China's Yi Jingqian 6-1 6-2.

Top seed Kournikova, playing her first match of the year, struggled in the first set before overwhelming her 74th-ranked opponent at Victoria Park.

"My rhythm and timing were a bit off because I hadn't played since November," she said.

Eight players are taking part in the tournament, part of the build-up to the Australian Open later this month.

The other players are Australia's Jelena Dokic, Russia's Elena Dementieva and Americans Chanda Rubin and Lisa Raymond.