A trio of local favorites advanced to the second round of the Pan Pacific Open on Monday with Ayumi Morita battling through an injury in a straight-sets victory over Britain's Laura Robson.
Morita, who hurt her lower back on the eve of this summer's U.S. Open, returned to action with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory. Ageless veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm and wildcard Misaki Doi also advanced to the second round.
Morita was uncertain until the last minute whether she would even be able to play.