Li Na has reached the third round of the Rome Open after edging a 6-1 7-5 victory over Iveta Benesova.

The Chinese pro took control of the contest in the early stages by storming through the first set and snatching the lead in Italy.

Li imposed her game without much trouble from her 29-year-old opponent, who failed to keep hold of her serve to stay in contention in the opening games.

The number eight seed continued her domination over Benesova by claiming the first break of serve in the second set and managed to retain her service games on the clay court.

Benesova forced her way back into the clash by breaking her competitor to reach a 3-3 scoreline as well as take the set 5-5 with a possible tie-break on the cards.

Despite a positive response, Benesova failed to push through a deciding set as Li ended the Czech's hopes of progressing in the tournament by successfully serving for the match.