DOHA, Qatar -- Venus Williams eased past Croatian qualifier Petra Martic 6-2, 6-2 to line up a second-round match with former Wi

DOHA, Qatar -- Venus Williams eased past Croatian qualifier Petra Martic 6-2, 6-2 to line up a second-round match with former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the Qatar Open on Monday. Adam Eaton Jersey . Williams was broken only once, when she led Martic 4-0. She has an up and down record so far this season, reaching the final in Auckland and losing in the first round at the Australian Open. Williams has won only one of her three matches against Kvitova, the third seed who has a first-round bye, but all three have gone the distance. Also, Chinas Peng Shuai beat 2006 champion Nadia Petrova 7-6 (5), 7-5 to even their matchups at 4-4. Petrova, who had to qualify after an injury-plagued 2013 dropped her singles ranking to 100, almost pulled off the win despite nine double faults. Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria defeated Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-3, 6-3 for the first time in four matches, while Annika Beck beat Mona Barthel in their all-German match 7-6 (5), 6-2 for the first time in three matches. Taiwanese qualifier Hsieh Su-wei won for the first time against Italys Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-3, and Czech qualifier Petra Cetkovska beat American Sloane Stephens 7-5, 6-1. Stephens, whod beaten Cetkovska at the last two Wimbledons, rallied to level at 5-5, but could win only one more game as she lost her serve five times. The field features seven of the top 10, led by Australian Open champ Li Na who, regardless of her result this week, will move to a career-best No. 2 ranking next week, above Victoria Azarenka, the two-time reigning Doha champ who was absent with a foot injury. Matt Wieters Jersey .Y. -- As if the worst start in franchise history isnt bad enough, Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black braced his teams win-starved fans for potentially more tough times. Tanner Roark Jersey . -- Darrelle Revis says at least 26 teams called after he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. http://www.officialnationalsgearshop.com/Nationals-Bryce-Harper-Kids-Jersey/ .ca has you covered for whos in, whos out and what to expect from all 30 teams.Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes his former side are looking capable of mounting a title charge next season - with a couple of quality signings. Jurgen Klopps side have closed in on the top four with three successive wins in the Premier League - including a 4-0 thumping of rivals Everton on Wednesday - while they have also booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals with a stunning comeback win against Borussia Dortmund. Sky Bets title odds Find out how Sky Bet price up next seasons Premier League title outright here. Thommo believes Klopp needs to strengthen but is confident they will be able to attract the quality capable of making them a title-challenging force next season. Jurgen Klopp has led Liverpool into the Europa League semi-finals this season Speaking ahead of Saturdays Premier League clash with Newcastle, the former Reds captain told Sky Sports: They were absolutely magnificent against Everton and are looking as good as anyone at this moment in time. Theyre moving the ball quickly and defending far better.The top four should be the aim but theres no reason that a push for title if Klopp strengthens the spine of the side.Id like to see a couple of quality first-team players added rather than six or seven that are going to compete for places. Thommo cant see Christian Benteke at Anfield next season Joel Matip is coming in a centre-back but I think, with Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli probably leaving, another top striker and central midfielder are needed. Daniel Murphy Jersey. Thats where Klopp comes in because hes a big draw and players from all over Europe will have been watching the scenes from against Dortmund and thinking to themselves that they want to play under that man in that atmosphere.Thommo has also called for Joe Allen to be handed an extension to his contract, which has just over a year to run. Get Joe Allen signed up sharpish, says Thommo One thing I want to see Klopp do quickly is get Joe Allen signed up on a new deal, he added.He was brilliant against Bournemouth and whenever hes come on, against Dortmund and Everton, hes been terrific. Thommos Sky Bet tip Find out what Thommo is tipping up at 25/1 for Sunderland v Arsenal here. Also See: Race for the top four Euro qualification explained ' ' '