China's Wang Yafan and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the second round of the 2019 Wuhan Open tennis tournament, while Peng Shuai, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki all suffered first-round exits. 

Wang looked in good form on Monday and outlasted American qualifier Lauren Davis, who retired in the third set after the pair split the first two 4-6, 6-4. Next up for the Chinese world No. 48 is another American, Sloane Stephens, in the second round. 

In sharp contrast, Wang's compatriot Peng has continued her poor form as the home hopeful was overwhelmed by Spaniard Garbine Muguruza in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 in one hour 10 minutes. 

Muguruza fired off seven aces, converting each one of her break points and saving all that she faced. She will go on to play world No. 3 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, who received a bye into round two. 

Other notable exits include former world No. 1 Kerber, who was stunned by Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-1, and Wozniacki , who slumped to a defeat at the hands of Hsieh Su Wei of Chinese Taipei  7-6 (2), 1-6, 2-6. 

Last year's Wuhan winner Sabalenka returned to her favorite court with another dominating display as the 21-year-old Belarusian swatted aside American Danielle Collins 6-1, 6-0.  

Collins' compatriot Madison Keys also suffered early exit as the world No. 13 withdrew from the tournament due to a foot injury.

Earlier in the day, Tunisian Ons Jabeur knocked out 16th seed Donna Vekic of Croatia 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, while world No. 22 Croatian Petra Martic eliminated Kristina Mladenovic of France 6-2, 6-2. 

World No. 29 Amanda Anisimova advanced into second round after edging out Australian Samantha Stosur 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought contest, while Czech Marie Bouzkova eased past Slovenian Tamera Zidansek 6-1, 6-3. 

(With input from agencies)