Safina storms into second round of French Open

PARIS, May 25 -- World number one Dinara Safina dismantled Anne

Keothavong 6-0, 6-0 in her opening match at the French Open on Monday to reach

second round.

The Russian top seed produced a devastating display of power and aggression

to whitewash Roland Garros newcomer Keothavong, 25, in 61 minutes on centre

court.

Safina, bidding for a maiden Grand Slam title, was surprised by such an

easy start.

"I came on the court expecting a good match and tough one because she had

been playing good in Warsaw. She made semis," the 23-year-old said.

She raced through the first set as her crashing forehands left Keothavong

chasing shadows and was equally ruthless in the second, refusing to give any

chance even when her 48th-ranked opponent had three game points at 6-0, 3-0

down.