Jovanovski survives Tashkent scare

bojanajovanovski

The Serbian is hoping to become the first player to defend the Tashkent title since the tournament began in 1999.

She was made to work for a 1-6 6-4 6-1 win over Kateryna Bondarenko though, with the Ukrainian bursting out of the blocks at the WTA International hard-court event.

Despite being ranked 504 places below Jovanovski, Bondarenko showed no fear and made three breaks during the first set.

Bonadrenko won nine of 11 points on first serve in the opener and she followed suit in the second.

But Jovanovski was greatly improved on her own serve and claimed the only break of the second set to force a decider.

And Bonadrenko faded after that as Jovanovski's class eventually told.

Poland's Urszula Radwanska won far easier in Uzbekistan, cruising to a 6-2 6-2 win against Serbian Vesna Dolonc thanks to five breaks.

Eighth seed Danka Kovinic of Montenegro was a surprise loser against Ukrainian qualifier Lyudmyla Kichenok, who won 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-2).

Elsewhere, Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich came from behind to beat Australia's Olivia Rogowska 3-6 6-4 6-4 and Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva held off Maryna Zanevska of the Ukraine 6-4 2-6 6-3.

And home hope Akgul Amanmuradova made the most of her wildcard with a 6-4 2-6 6-2 triumph against Jovana Jaksic of Serbia.

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