Wozniacki cruises through in Charleston WTA

Charleston: World number one Caroline Wozniacki cruised into the third round of the Charleston WTA, as she fought to banish memories of last year`s injury disappointment.

"I`m feeling good on clay, so it`s exciting. It`s always exciting to start here," top-seed Wozniacki said on Wednesday after dispatching American qualifier Irina Falconi 6-1, 6-1. At last year`s tournament Wozniacki was forced to retire during her semi-final match against Russia`s Vera Zvonareva when she hurt her ankle sliding on the green clay court. "You think about it sometimes, a little bit sometimes, especially when you go after drop shots," she said. "But on the other hand, this is a tournament that I`ve always enjoyed playing and center court is so cozy." Wozniacki, winner of titles this year in Dubai and Indian Wells, encountered little resistance from the 128th-ranked Falconi, who had never before faced a number one player. The Dane took a 5-0 lead, and won the last six games to win the match. "She was playing good, but I felt like I could put that extra step into the ball," Wozniacki, 20, said. "I made the winners at the right chances." Wozniacki is one of three top-10 players in the field. World number five Samantha Stosur, the defending champion and second seed, defeated Austrian Patricia Mayr-Achleitner 6-1, 6-2.Stosur said her status as defending champion gave her a boost. "I think it definitely, maybe, lifts your shoulders up a little bit and puts a smile on your face," she said. World number eight Jelena Jankovic, the third seed and winner here in 2007, also advanced, beating Austrian Tamira Paszek 6-2, 6-3. Fourth-seeded Marion Bartoli of France was an upset victim, falling to 2009 Charleston champion Sabine Lisicki of Germany 6-2, 6-3. Seventh-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia made it safely into the third round, defeating Romanian Edina Gallovits 6-1, 6-1.Bureau Report