The Dubai Duty Free WTA championship for women got underway in Dubai on Monday. In the opening match, L. Safarova defeated S.Stephens of USA 6-3,7-5 in straight sets. In the other big match of the day, former world number one and this year's wild card entry, Venus Williams will be up against E.Vesnina later tonight. Sania mirza presents the lone Indian challenge in the tournament in the doubles category. She along with Cara Black of Zimbabwe is placed fourth in the ranking.<br/> <br/>In all 14 out of the 20 top women's seeds are taking part in the tournament. These include defending champion Petra Kvitova along with 2012 winner Agnieszka Radwanska, former US Open champion Samantha Stosur, Germany's number one Angelique Kerber and 2013 Dubai runner- Sara Errani. The women's leg of the tournament continues until 22nd February