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Keothavong qualifies

Image: Keothavong: Melbourne qualifier

Anne Keothavong made it three British players in the main Australian Open draw after she battled through qualifying at Melbourne Park.

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Keothavong makes it two Brits in women's draw in Melbourne

Anne Keothavong made it three British players in the main Australian Open draw after she battled through qualifying at Melbourne Park on Sunday. The British number two joins Elena Baltacha in the women's draw in Melbourne, after defeating Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu 6-3 6-4 on court eight. Keothavong claimed the only break of the opening set to take it, but was put under pressure in the second when she herself was broken by Begu in the first game of the set. The Londoner hit back though to level at 3-3 before securing another break to win the match and seal her progression into the first grand slam of the season. World number 118 Keothavong will play in her second Australian Open event, having previously been beaten in three sets by Russia's Anna Chakvetadze in 2009. Keothavong will play another Russian this time around, as she faces Arina Rodionova in round one after the draw was made. Compatriot Baltacha will play American Jamie Hampton, with the winner likely to meet seven-time major winner Justine Henin.