FRENCH PLAYER NOW FAVOURITE TO WIN TITLE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- The early exit of top seed Francesca Schiavone in the first round Monday and after a smooth sailing to the second round, Marion Bartoli of France is now favourite to win the BMW Malaysian Open.

Bartoli, the world number 17, clinched an easy win over Maria Elena Camerin of Italy 6-0, 6-1, at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Club, here Tuesday.

Bartoli, who played for the first time in Malaysia, said she was now in top form and full of confidence after winning a few matches this year.

"Although this is my first time playing in Malaysia and it was quite tough, I have played well and I'm really happy with the way I played," she told reporters after the game.

When asked on her chance of winning the tournament, Bartoli said she did not want to look too far ahead and preferred to focus on one game at a time.

"It's a tough job to be seeded. I just want to continue playing as good as Tuesday night," she said.

Defending champion and third seed Alisa Kleybanova of Russia and fourth seed Jarmila Groth of Australia also advanced to the second round.

Kleybanova defeated Lu Jing-Jing of China 6-1, 6-1 while Groth outclassed Sun Shengnan also from China 7-6 (2), 6-2.