China's Li storms into second round

LONDON, June 27 (Reuters) China's Li Na made an impressive Wimbledon debut when she thrashed France's Virginie Razzano 6-2 6-0 in the first round today.

Li is the first Chinese player to be seeded in a grand slam singles event and the number 27 blew Razzano away with some searing ground strokes on court 19.

A thumping backhand winner on match point brought her victory and Li will next face either Russia's Vassilissa Bardina or American Meilen Tu.

Li could meet Russian fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in round three in a rematch of their meeting at that stage of the French Open earlier this month. Kuznetsova, who went on to reach the final, beat the Chinese 7-6 6-3 at Roland Garros.

Reuters HS RS2159