Hantuchova back on track

Sparkassen Cup

Latest results

Hantuchova has slipped outside the world's top 10 in recent months

Fifth seed Daniela Hantuchova got a much-needed win as she eased past Svetlana Kuznetsova in the first round in Leipzig.

The Slovakian has been on a miserable run, and her 7-5 6-2 win over the 18-year-old Russian was only her second against a player ranked inside the top 30 in her last 12 tournaments.

Czech player Denisa Chladkova set up a second-round meeting with Justine Henin-Hardenne after beating Magui Serna 6-1 7-5.

The 45th-ranked Chladkova sailed through the opening set before breaking to 6-5 in the second and clinching the match when the Spaniard mishit a backhand.

The match was delayed for an hour at 2-2 in the second set when the air conditioning system caused air bubbles under the carpet to surface.

Switzerland's Patty Schnyder, who fought back from a set down to beat Russian Elena Likhovtseva 6-7 (7/5) 7-5 6-3, also went through to the second round.