Tuesday, October 3 2006 15:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Stuttgart: Rising Dutch star Michaella Krajicek will face France's top seed Amelie Mauresmo in the second round of the US$650,000 (511,000 euro) WTA tournament after defeating Samantha Stosur in her first round match here on Monday.

The 17-year-old Krajicek, sister of men's 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek, defeated the Australian 6-2, 6-7, 6-1 but will now have her work cut out against World No. 1 Mauresmo.

Wimbledon champion Mauresmo is the top seed here and a strong favourite to win the title after a number of her main rivals pulled out.

Reigning champion Lindsay Davenport, French Open champion Justin Henin-Hardenne, US Open champion Maria Sharapova of Russia and two-time champion Kim Clijsters are all notable absentees in a weakened field.

In Monday's other match fifth seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland easily disposed of American Chanda Rubin winning her first round match 6-2, 6-2.

The 30-year-old Rubin, once as high as sixth in world, had lost to Schnyder at the recent WTA event in Luxembourg and was again second best.