King scrapes through at Indian Wells

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) - American wildcard Vania King came from a set down to beat Anne Kremer of Luxembourg in the Pacific Life Open first round on Thursday.

The 19-year-old, who clinched her first WTA title at the 2006 Bangkok Open in her debut season, sealed a 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory after a two-and-a-half-hour battle.

Seeded players received a first round bye in the opening Masters Series event of the year being held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

"I started off really nervous and she played better and better in the first set," King told reporters after winning her second Tour match out of six this season.

"At the end of the first set, I changed my strategy and that worked out well. I was really happy to come out with the win after just fighting."

King, who next meets 31st seed Tathiana Garbin of Italy in the second round, was sidelined for three weeks last month with a viral illness.

"My body isn't 100 percent but I've been trying the best I can," the Californian said. "I think I'm ready. Every day I've been playing better and better. I'm just happy to be out here."

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