Kournikova sets up Venus clash

Kournikova has reached two semi-finals this year

Click here for Tuesday's results from Antwerp

Anna Kournikova will receive a stern test of her ambitions to return to the world's top 10 when she takes on Venus Williams in the second round of the Diamond Games in Antwerp.

Kournikova registered a comprehensive 6-2 6-1 win over Germany's Marlene Weingartner to set up the showdown with top seed Williams.

Kournikova has had mixed fortunes since returning to the circuit following foot surgery last year.

The 21-year-old lost in the first round of the Australian Open but has reached the semi-finals of two other events.

Top-seed byes

In other first-round action, American Meilen Tu defeated Elena Bovina of Russia 6-4 3-6 7-5 in a gruelling match.

"She put a lot of pressure on me, she served so well, and I was getting tired," said Tu of her Russian opponent.

Belgian Els Callens defeated Anca Barna 7-5 7-6 (12-10), while Anne Kremer of Luxembourg downed Italian Francesca Sciavone 6-4 6-1.

Williams received a first-round bye, along with the tournament's other top seeds, Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Jelena Dokic.

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Antwerp WTA results:

First round:
M Tu (US) bt E Bovina (Rus) 6-4 3-6 7-5
E Callens (Bel) bt A Barna (Ger) 7-5 7-6 (12-10)
A Kremer (Lux - 7) bt F Sciavone (Ita) 6-4 6-1
A Kournikova (Rus) bt M Weingarter (Ger) 6-2 6-1
S Farina Elia (Ita - 5) bt M Marrero (Spa) 6-1 6-2

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