Time for tennis and before we get to our special series Beyond the Baseline, we check out the first round of the the China Open in Beijing. Local favourite Zhang Shuai took on former major winner Sam Stosur who also happens to be her doubles partner from the recent US Open. And it would be the Chinese, exploiting the knowledge of her opponent for an easy victory over the Aussie. 

Zhang beat Stosur in singles at the US open, while the Australian got the better of the Chinese at the French. Stosur struggles early on double faulting as Zhang breaks in the opening game.

The home favourite would take advantage of Stosur's poor play as she fires this volley into the open court to take a 4-love lead.

And another point at the net seals a 6-1 opening frame win for Zhang, much to the delight of the crowd.

Stosur would play more consistently in the second, and her heavy serving helps her stay competitive.

Also attacking Zhang's serve with big returns.

But the Aussie would  have 21 unforced errors in the match, dropping the last four games of the set, firing long on match point to hand Zhang the match 6-1, 6-2, as she meets Alison Riske of the U-S next.

Looking at some of today's matches world No.6 Venus Williams takes on Peng Shuai in a first round affair. American Madison Keys meets Kristina Mladenovic in the second round. Third seed Agnieszka Radwanska  goes against Ekaterina Makarova, that is also a second round match.