Quebec City, QC – Reigning champion Barbora Zahlavova Strycova posted a first-round victory Tuesday at the $220,000 Bell Challenge tennis event.
The sixth-seeded Czech Zahlavova Strycova got past Canada's own Marie-Eve Pelletier 7-6 (7-2), 6-1 on the indoor carpet at PEPS Laval University.
Zahlavova Strycova defeated New Zealand's Marina Erakovic in last year's Quebec City finale.
Meanwhile, seventh-seeded Croat Petra Martic topped American lucky-loser Jessica Pegula 6-4, 7-5.
Also reaching the second round were Slovenian Petra Rampre and Melanie Oudin, who snuck past fellow American Irina Falconi 7-5, 7-6 (8-6).
The top seed here is Slovak Dominika Cibulkova, who will play her opening-rounder on Wednesday against Belgian Kirsten Flipkens.
This week's champion will earn $37,000.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.