Radwanska beats Hercog

Seoul - Top seed Agnieszka Radwanska has hammered Polona Hercog on Tuesday as she set out on a quest to successfully defend a title for the first time at the WTA Korea Open.

The Polish world number five, returning to action after her US Open second-round defeat to China's Peng Shuai, won 6-3, 6-3 to get her title defence off the mark.

Former Seoul champion Maria Kirilenko, playing on a wildcard after missing three months of the season with a knee injury, beat Croatia's Donna Vekic 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 to reach round two.

"It was a tough time after my injury last year. I haven't played much this year and after Wimbledon it got worse so I couldn't play much of the summer either," said the Russian.

"I really missed playing and I'm happy I could win this match today, because it was my first long match so far this year," added Kirilenko, who lifted the trophy in 2008.