Venus outguns Schnyder to advance in Paris

Paris: Second seed Venus Williams took the first step towards a maiden French Open title when she outgunned Patty Schnyder 6-3, 6-3 in the first round on Sunday.

Venus, who lost the 2002 final to sister Serena, could have expected a trickier match against Schnyder but the wily Swiss has been struggling with injury and she eased to the opening set in 32 minutes on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Wearing a risque dark outfit that resembled a nightdress, Venus broke in game eight of the second to lead 5-3 and she eventually served out for victory in an hour and 20 minutes, sealing the win with a forehand winner. She now plays Japanese qualifier Kurumi Nara or Arantxa Parra Santonja of Spain for a place in the third round.Bureau Report