Robson crashes out in Shenzhen
British teenage tennis sensation Laura Robson crashed out of the Shenzhen Open in straight sets on Tuesday, a disappointing start to a year in which she is seeking to break into the world top 50.
The 18-year-old, currently ranked 53rd in the world, lost her second-round match against Romania's Monica Niculescu 2-6 3-6 in one hour and 16 minutes.
She was seeded seventh in the hard court tournament, and came into the contest ranked five places above her opponent.
Meanwhile, Chinese No 1 Li Na defeated Luxembourger Mandy Minella 6-4 6-0 in her first round match.
The 2011 French Open singles title winner and top seed will face American Julia Cohen in the next phase of the competition.
The Shenzhen Open – carrying total prize money of $500 000 – is being played for the first time as tennis expands in China on the back of Li's huge popularity.
