Last Chinese "Golden Flower" fades at China Open

BEIJING, Oct. 6, 2011 -- Zheng Jie, the last Chinese "Golden Flower", was downed by 11th seed Agnieszka Radwanska, of Poland, in straight sets in a 1-6, 4-6 defeat at the China Open on Wednesday.

Chinese local hot favorites — French Open champion Li Na and world No.15 Peng Shuai both suffered unexpected early exit in the first round, and the two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Zheng was the only Chinese female player to advance to the second round of the WTA premier event.

This edition of the China Open tennis tournament has marked the worst showing of local women players in singles since its inception in 2004. Zheng, Peng and Li have all made it to the semifinals here at the China Open before.