Peng Shuai has failed to extend her lead, losing in the first round at the $600,000 WTA Bausch & Lomb Championships in the USA.

The Chinese player started strong, winning the first set 6-2 against Conchita Martinez Grannados from Spain.

However, it was too early to predict the outcome as the Spanish player rallied from behind to turn the tables, winning the next two sets 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round.

In a related development, Peng moved up four places to number 58 of the women's singles world rankings issued by the Women Tennis Association.
 
Peng's compatriot Zheng Jie also rebounded 19 places to reach number 46.

Her rise in the rankings is due to her outstanding performance at the Nasdaq-100 Open WTA Tournament last week.

Zheng reached the quarterfinals of the women's singles in Miami, beating US veteran Jill Craybas 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Meanwhile, Chinese veteran Li Na soared three spots to reach 57th, while Yuan Meng moved up seven places, ranking 93rd.

France's Amelie Mauresmo still dominates the world number one spot, followed by the two Belgian stars, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne.
 
(CRI English April 4, 2006)