PARIS - China women's number one Li Na fought off a strong resistance from Sandra Kloesel of Germany to progress into the second round at the rain-hit French Open here on Monday.

China's Li Na returns the ball to Germany's Sandra Kloesel during their match at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris May 28, 2007. [Reuters]

The 16th-ranked Li, who was leading countrywomen Zheng Jie and Sun Tiantian into the main draw, just could not find her range initially¹ in the opening set against her German opponent before winning the set and going on to take the second at love.

Hours of rain in the morning have already postponed² the match, and another downpour led to a 60-minute delay with the German serving for the first set 5-3.

"In the locker³ room I think, okay, relax. Don't think about the eight games, the way you play," the 25-year-old said. "Just play yourself and be positive on the court. Don't think about win or lose.

"I need to thank the rain. The rain comes, and I could calm down and think about the match.

"And after coming back I feel more fresh, and more positive on the court."