General / Editor / 20 June 2007 /

Elena Baltacha beat Britain's current top player Anne Keothavong to set up a second-round showdown with Nicole Vaidisova at the Eastbourne International Open.

The 23-year-old Scot, ranked 412 after struggling with injuries and illness, triumphed 6-2 2-6 7-6 (7-5) in round one as she continues her way back to full match fitness.

Baltacha is hoping to move up the world rankings after a major back operation last year after previously suffering with a liver condition.

She goes on to face Vaidisova in the last 16 but Betfair punters feels that is where her tournament will end as she is available to back at 17.5 on Betfair's "Match Odds" market, with her fifth seed opponent the overwhelming 1.05 favourite.
"I'm very proud but I made it hard for myself after such a great start," said Baltacha.

"Anne started very slowly and I got straight in there but after the first set I started to try to get a bit safe and go on the defensive.

"But it is a wonderful result even though I played a very sloppy tie-break as well until right at the end.

"There were a lot of points on it and the 130 world ranking places I will go up means it is now about 270 from 890 which is where I was six months ago after my back operation.

"I feel I'm a better player now than when I was 170 or so, a few years ago, but I know I've got to keep working on it.
"Whatever happens in the next round against Vaidisova, who is talented and very dangerous, I'll be staying here for the rest of the week because the courts are just like Wimbledon and it is fantastic preparation."

Vaidisova can be backed at 8.2 to win the tournament, with in-form Justin Henin the predictable 1.75 favourite on Betfair's "International Women's Open" market.

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