Li Na edges Sara Errani 6-3, 7-6 (5), advances at WTA Championships in Istanbul

Sara Errani of Italy returns a shot to Li Na of China during their tennis match at the WTA championship in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013. The world's top female tennis players compete in the championships which runs from Oct. 22 until Oct. 27.(AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

Li Na of China returns a shot to Sara Errani of Italy during their tennis match at the WTA championship in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013. The world's top female tennis players compete in the championships which runs from Oct. 22 until Oct. 27.(AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

ISTANBUL – Li Na opened her WTA Championship campaign with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory over Sara Errani on Wednesday.

Errani also lost her opening match on Tuesday to Victoria Azarenka and likely will be eliminated.

Li trailed 3-1 in the second set but won the next four games — and then could not close it. She twice served for the match and both times dropped her serve. Trailing 3-1 in the tiebreaker, Li won the next five points. She used her third match point when Errani sent a forehand into the net.

The tournament brings together the top eight players in the world. They play two round-robin groups, with the top two finishers in each advancing to the semifinals.