Daniela Hantuchova became the first big name casualty in the Hastings Direct Championships at Eastbourne last night.
The Slovakian world No. 22, coached by Nigel Sears from Lewes, had her Wimbledon preparations shattered by little-known Maria Vento-Kabchi, ranked 56.
The Venezuelan sneaked into the main draw as a lucky loser after she was beaten in qualifying.
Vento-Kabchi made the most of her surprise opportunity, shocking last year's runner-up Hantuchova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
The top four seeds enter the tournament in the second round today. Svetlana Kuznetsova opens the defence of her title against fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze. French No. 1 seed Amelie Mauresmo faces another Russian, Vera Douchevina, and Australian Alicia Molik is up against Virginie Razzano of France.
Vento-Kabchi's prize for beating Hantuchova is a clash against Russian fourth seed Anastasia Myskina.
Home interest ended yesterday with a three-set defeat for British No. 1 Elena Baltacha in the first round against Spanish veteran Conchita Martinez. She now meets former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters.
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