Monica Puig reaches 2nd round at Hong Kong Open

HONG KONG (AP) Monica Puig advanced to the second round of the Hong Kong Open by beating Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand 6-1, 6-2 Monday. Puig was ranked No. 41

HONG KONG (AP) Monica Puig advanced to the second round of the Hong Kong Open by beating Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand 6-1, 6-2 Monday.

Puig was ranked No. 41 last year but has since dropped to No. 92.

''I had a very difficult year and changed my coach after Wimbledon and it has suddenly made a huge difference in my game,'' the 22-year-old Puerto Rican said. ''I have started to become more consistent result-wise and win more matches.''

Several top players have withdrawn from the Hong Kong Open because of injury, including fourth-ranked Garbine Muguruza.

Lara Arruabarrena of Spain also advanced at Victoria Park, beating Irina Falconi of the United States 6-4, 6-3. Lee Ya-hsuan of Taiwan defeated Jang Su-jeong of South Korea 6-2, 6-1.