Angelika Bachmann of Germany, semifinalist last year and modest and charming as usual, played well within herself but it was good enough to see her through to the second round on Monday on court two.

The wiry German, ranked 10th in her country and an adidas programme beneficiary of the Bavarian tennis federation scheme plays a lot more of the serve and volley game now.

"I play a lot more of doubles now and this helps my serve and volley to a great extend. I should be coming more often to the net. Reflex action moves improve a lot in doubles and I hope to have a bigger variety to my game soon," said Angelika after her hard fought but straight set affair with Bulgarian Dessislava Topalova yesterday.

Angleika was quick to pay credit to her opponent's game, saying "Dessislava played a good game but I had an advantage. I landed here on Wednesday and had more time to get used to the hot weather."

The last season was according to her quite satisfactory. "My semis here was good and I entered the main draw from the qualifiers for the French and US opens. No titles but the challengers I played gave me a lot of solid experience," Angleika, who will be 22 in May, continued.

Last year Angelika was accompanied by the adidas programme coach from Munich. "This time it is me alone but I have my doubles partner for the tournament always around for support and company. My regular partner Eve Dyrberg from Denmark is playing elsewhere."

For the fourth Habtoor event, Angelika and her team-mate Caroline Schneider are seeded second.

The German youngster's game philosophy is straight forward without much fancy thinking attached. "I do not think too far ahead as far as my game and tournment performances are concerned. I take every match one at a time every single day. It is round by round for me," she said.

Angelika's hobbies include tae bo (a version of shadow boxing) and interests in setting up her own website.

"I use my lap top while on the Tour and am concentrating on the web. One day I want to start my own site for the game and other interests where tennis players could also benefit," she said answering one of the local writer's questions about the possibility of full fledged service website.

Anglelika is glad to have crossed the first round at the Al Habtoor. "I am happy. The first round is always tricky and I am very pleased to have gone ahead."

About the tournament and the people who look after her. "I love playing here. Not for anything else, everyone like Hany and the tournament officials are helpful and professional. It is quite a relaxing experience to be here for a week," Angelika said.