Hingis races into Tokyo quarter-finals

TOKYO, Jan 31 (Reuters) Martina Hingis began her quest for a record fifth Pan Pacific Open title with a crushing 6-1 7-5 win over Australia's Nicole Pratt today.

The former world number one, a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open last week, produced a clinical performance on the fast indoor carpet and took just over an hour to reach the last eight.

Hingis, who won the Tokyo title in 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002, will play either sixth seed Li Na or Samantha Stosur of Australia next after receiving a first round bye.

Earlier, China's Zheng Jie, battling a high fever, overwhelmed American Bethanie Mattek 6-2 6-1 to join compatriot Li in the last 16.

''I had a fever of 39c yesterday,'' the world number 33 told Reuters. ''I'm not feeling very well. But I'm comfortable with my tennis and I'm enjoying every tournament now.'' Zheng will play fourth-seeded Serb Jelena Jankovic in the second round of the 1.3 million dollar tournament.

Li won her opener in equally convincing fashion on Tuesday and plays Stosur next following the Australian's 6-4 6-7 6-4 win over Russia's Vera Zvonareva.

Meanwhile, Russian Maria Kirilenko swept into the last 16 with a 6-2 6-3 upset win over seventh seed Shahar Peer of Israel.

Elena Likhovtseva beat Argentina's Gisela Dulko 6-3 6-2 to set up a second round meeting with fellow Russian and defending champion Elena Dementieva.

The world's current top-ranked player Maria Sharapova is scheduled to play her opening game tomorrow after reaching the final of the Australian Open at the weekend.

Reuters PDS GC1529