Cibulkova makes it tough at the top for Kerber

TENNIS Angelique Kerber was given a harsh reminder of the pressure she faces as the new world No 1 when she was pushed to three sets before winning her opening match at the WTA Finals against Dominika Cibulkova in Singapore on Sunday. The German prevailed 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-3. Simona Halep, who looms as one of Kerber’s biggest threats, also laid down an ominous marker as she demolished rising American Madison Keys 6-2 6-4 in the first match of the $7m tournament.