Dudi Sela began his quest to qualify for a place at London 2012 in style with an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win over world number 48 Fabio Fognini.

The Israeli, ranked 85, needed just 59 minutes to finish off his Italian opponent in the first round of the Chennai Open in India.

Sela is still way off from equalling his career-best ranking of 29, which he reached back in 2009, and must return to the top 50 in order to qualify for the Olympics.

"With favourable draws and continuing my good form from the end of last year, I believe I can reach my target of returning to the top 50," he said.

Meanwhile, former world number 11 Shahar Peer is in serious danger of slipping out of the top 50. Now ranked 37, she lost a closely fought contest in the first round of the Brisbane International to Andrea Petkovic.

The defeat comes after losing the Israel championship title to the 208th ranked Julia Glushko .

Nevertheless, Peer is still confident of having a good year. She said, "I've a good feeling about 2012 and I'm hungrier and more determined than ever to reach the top where I belong."