Keothavong claims Pratt scalp

Anne Keothavong, the British No1, sealed a place in the second round today with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Nicole Pratt.

Keothavong, ranked 147 places below her Australian opponent in the world rankings, trailed 3-1 when the rain fell but after a 45-minute delay, Keothavong rattled off the next five games to win the set 6-3 on court 19.

Keothavong, who missed last year's championships suffering from tendinitis in her wrist, showed no let-up in the second set.

Although world No41 Pratt held her opening service game, 20-year-old Keothavong proved too strong.

She secured her first appearance in the second round of the women's singles at Wimbledon in her fourth attempt by taking the next six games to secure a well earned victory.

The Londoner will now meet either new Russian sensation Maria Sharapova or Ukrainian Yulia Beygelzimer in the next round.

She was forced to retire in the first round last year, but has won a minor tournament in California since. Former star Sam Smith, who reached the fourth round in 1998, said: "Anne is a solid player, she is hitting the ball well and is comfortable on any surface. She has the potential to go far."

Fellow Briton Elena Baltacha starts her Wimbledon campaign tomorrow when she faces Marta Marrero of Spain.