Ljubicic defeat Monfils to reach Den Bosch second round

AMSTERDAM, June 18 (Reuters) Second seed Ivan Ljubicic overcame a slow start to defeat Gael Monfils 3-6 6-3 6-0 in the first round of the Den Bosch Open today.

In the woman's event, defending champion Michaella Krajicek, sister of 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek, beat Argentina's Gisela Dulko 6-3 6-2.

Slovenian sixth seed Katarina Srebotnik was the highest seeded casualty in the women's draw when she was beaten 6-3 6-2 by Germany's Tatjana Malek. Seventh seed Anabel Medina Garrigues was also ousted, beaten 7-6 3-6 6-3 by Elena Vesnina.

Dutchman Raemon Sluiter withdrew from the tournament for personal reasons, organisers today said in a statement.

REUTERS KN SBA BST0151