Britain’s Harriet Dart gained her opening match of the Guangzhou Open because the Girl’s Tennis Affiliation resumed competitors in China.
The 27-year-old beat Germany’s Jule Niemeier 6-3 6-2 to succeed in the final 16.
Compatriot Jodie Burrage was knocked out by Polish prime seed Magda Linette.
The Guangzhou Open is the primary WTA occasion since January 2020 to happen in China. Covid-19 disruption of the tour was adopted by a boycott over allegations made by Peng Shuai.
Former doubles world primary Peng stated in November 2021 she was “compelled” right into a sexual relationship with former China vice-premier Zhang Gaoli.
Because of this, the WTA suspended its end-of-year occasions in China and stated it might not return till there was an investigation and it had proof of Peng’s security.
She later denied making the allegations although she has not been seen exterior China since. Zhang has not commented publicly on the allegation.
In April 2023, the WTA introduced it might resume tournaments in China having accepted an investigation into the sexual assault allegations won’t be carried out by the Chinese language authorities.
“We have been on this for 16 months and we’re satisfied that at this level our requests won’t be met,” WTA chief government Steve Simon advised BBC Sport on the time.
“To proceed with the identical technique would not make sense and a unique method is required. Hopefully, by returning, extra progress will be made.”
Qualifier Dart will face Belgian seventh seed Greet Minnen within the final 16 on Wednesday.
Burrage took the primary set in her match however went down 6-7 (3-7) 6-0 6-2 to Linette.
