Clijisters wins easily in 1st round at Brisbane

Kim Clijsters began preparation for the defense of her Australian Open singles title with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Romanias Simona Halep in the first round of the Brisbane International on Sunday.Clijsters beat Chinas Li Na in the final at last years opening Grand Slam at Melbourne Park. This years Australian Open begins Jan. 16.In another match Sunday, 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy advanced to the second round when her opponent, Ksenia Pervak of Russia, had to retire with a headache at 4-4 in the opening set.Top-seeded Samantha Stosur plays her first-round match Monday, as is Serena Williams, who Stosur defeated in last years U.S. Open final.In mens play Sunday, James Duckworth of Australia beat Nicolas Mahut of France 6-4, 6-4. Top-seeded Andy Murray plays his first-round singles match on Tuesday.Murray combined with former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis to beat Santiago Giraldo of Colombia and Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-2, 6-2 in a first-round doubles match Sunday on Pat Rafter Arena.