Li, Zheng lead the Chinese challenge

A strong Chinese women's contingent will take to the courts at the Australian Open looking to get the new season off to a flying start.

The Chinese will be spearheaded at the first Grand Slam of the year by world No 17 Li Na (pictured), a consistent top-level performer in the latter half of last year. She reached the quarterfinals of the US Open and then rose to No 15 in the rankings, a mark which equaled Zheng Jie's ranking peak for a Chinese player.

As usual, compatriots Zheng and Peng Shuai will be fighting alongside Li in the ladies' singles main draw, just as they did at the past three Grand Slams since Roland Garros last year.