Wow, not an easy draw by any stretch of the imagination. Anyone who caught Paszek playing in Stuttgart will agree that she was playing sensationally and has to be the strong favourite to qualify. She is helped by a nice easy draw which looks kinder than Heathers.

Sprem is obviously best suited to fast surfaces, but has had good results on the dirt. Her year this far has been far from impressive though, seems she has been injured and if she is off, I suspect Heather may be too consistent. Next up would probably be Voegele who has reached a 100k final on the dirt, albeit in 2009 where she beat Goerges (SFist this week in Stuttgart) before losing in 3 to Petkovic so certainly seems the likelier opponent. Could go either way IMO, perhaps Heather has the slight edge though, especially if Voegele is in 2010/11 form rather than her top 100 form of 09.

Should Heather make FQR I would hope for a tight match vs Paszek, who seems to prefer soaking up a big hitter's pace rather than facing a solid counterpuncher so who knows, fingers crossed, but I prefict a FQR loss in 3 sets to Paszek. :P

currently rain - light showers

Heather is now on court.

Oh dear, I know Heather's a fighter, but I think this is a done deal 

The second starts as a continuation of the end of the first with Sprem holding and breaking to 15. If Heather can keep it to one break Karolina may find it difficult to close out, after a 3 month absence, but it looks at the moment that Sprem will run away with it

1-6 0-2*

The fightback has started!

Rain