Austrian qualifier Tamira Paszek continued her strong run at the ASB Classic on Wednesday by beating two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova after defeating former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone in the first round.
Paszek's 6-2, 6-3 win over fourth-seeded Kuznetsova deprived the Auckland tournament of another of its drawcards after the top two seeds, defending champion Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic, were beaten in the first round.
Kuznetsova at times looked uncomfortable on court and at one time called for the trainer for what appeared to be a back injury.
Former No.1 and third-seeded Caroline Wozniacki is the top player remaining in the main draw and was due to play American Christina McHale later Wednesday.