Tennis: Laura Robson clears first hurdle in qualifying for Australian Open

LAURA ROBSON kept alive her hopes of reaching the main draw at the Australian Tennis Open after winning her opening qualifying match today.

The 15-year-old Briton defeated Australia's Sophie Ferguson 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted two hours and 11 minutes. Robson, ranked 406 in the world, was handed a wildcard entry into qualifying last week after she teamed up with Andy Murray to help Great Britain reach the final of the Hopman Cup.

The teenager defeated Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the world No.26, in the final in Perth to underline her growing status. Robson was, however, below her best as she battled 44 unforced errors to eventually overcome a player ranked over 250 places higher than her.

Next up for Robson will be Michaella Krajicek, 21, who reached the third round at the Australian Open in 2006. Robson must negotiate two more rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw.

Naomi Cavaday joined Robson in the next round after she battled back to defeat Alexandra Panova 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.

Melanie South's bid was ended at the first hurdle as she fell 6-3, 6-3 to Shenay Perry.