Top seeded Spaniard and world number five Conchita Martinez successfully opened her defense of the $180,000 Polish Open title Wednesday with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 second-round victory over Bulgarian veteran Magdalena Maleeva.
Maleeva, who was once the world's number four player, grabbed the first set before the Spaniard found consistency on Sopot's slow red clay courts to clinch victory.
"Maleeva hit the ball well and it was tough to beat her, especially since I was not at my best. Sometimes you just have to yell 'come on' and try to get back into the match," said Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon winner.
Meanwhile, second-seeded Anke Huber of Germany had an easier time against Italy's Tathiana Garbin, winning 6-3 6-3 to reach the last eight with a barrage of powerful drives from the baseline.
Fifth-seeded Spanish backcourt specialist Gala Leon-Garcia, topped Italy's Rita Grande 6-7 (8-6) 6-2 6-3, setting up a quarterfinal against Martinez - (Agencies)
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