体坛英语新闻：China's Li Na through second round at French Open

PARIS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The world No. 7 Li Na of China held off strong challenges from Spanish qualifier Silvia Soler-Espinosa to win the women's singles second round match 6-4 and 7-5 at the French Open on Thursday.

The sixth seed Li was broken first in both sets, but managed to come from behind to reach the last 32 in her fifth appearance at Roland Garros.

"I knew nothing about my opponent before the clash," said Li after winning over the world No. 158 Soler-Espinosa. "I asked several players but nobody could give me any information about her. She's quite mysterious."

Soler-Espinosa, making her Grand Slam main draw debut at Roland Garros this year, put the Australian Open finalist Li in trouble with her dangerous forehand.

"At first, I could hardly estimate where her forehand was striking," said Li. "So I always moved passively. Then I adjusted myself to her play and fought back little by little. "

The 29-year-old Li will face Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the next round and has no idea about the 21-year-old world No. 99 so far.

The Asian top player was defeated by Francesca Schiavone in the third round last year and the Italian finally won the title by beating Australian Samantha Stosur.