The unseeded Russian eliminated the Romanian Grand Slam winner from the WTA Premier Mandatory event at the National Tennis Center in Beijing in just 64 minutes, winning 6-2, 6-3.

"It was a pretty tough match, I think, but I think she didn't play that well," Alexandrova said after the match.

"I remember when we played last time, it was tougher than today, but I tried to stay focused for the whole match because I knew she could play just amazing.

"I tried to stay concentrated and focused, and I'm happy I did that until the end."

Reigning champion Caroline Wozniacki is conceded just four games as she beat American qualifier Lauren Davis 6-1, 6-3.

The Dane has struggled with injury this year and is seeded down at number 16, however, a dominant performance, including five breaks from nine chances, 16 winners and seven aces demonstrated she could getting back to her best.

Also through is fifth seed Bianca Andreescu, the Canadian teenager playing her first tournament since her stunning triumph at the US Open in New York City.

Andreescu won her 14th consecutive match as she battled past Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus in a see-saw match, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1.

There were a few signs of rust in the second set but the 19-year-old proved to have too much and booked a spot in round two against Elise Mertens of Belgium.

There was a double dose of home disappointment, meanwhile, as Chinese players Wang Yafan and Zhang Shuai both suffered early exits.

Wang tested third seed Elina Svitolina before he Ukrainian battled through after two tie-breaks, 7-6, 7-6.

Chinese number two and world number 31 Zhang meanwhile was defeated by Angelique Kerber, the German 10th seed, in a topsy-turvy encounter, 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

It was revenge for Kerber, beaten last 16 of last year's China Open by Zhang.

Action in Beijing is due to continue tomorrow.