Canberra ACT, Australia, 16 March 2016 | David Packman

Queensland wildcard Naiktha Bains has successfully begun her campaign at the $25,000 Canberra Claycourt International #1, completing a straight sets win over Chieh-Yu Hsu on Tuesday.

Bains, who benefits from training on her own clay court at home, said she feels confident on the Italian clay in Canberra.

“I’m comfortable on all surfaces, but I do enjoy playing on the clay, to be honest. I like it,” she said.

After a tussle in the opening set, the 18-year-old pulled away from Hsu – ranked almost 200 places above her – to record a 6-4 6-2 victory.

“I was pretty solid today, it was good,” she said. “I’m continuing to work on a few things in my game and trying to put them into place.

“Hopefully I will start getting further into these Pro Tours.”

Bains now faces the winner of Thai No.8 seed Varatchaya Wongteanchai and German qualifier Vivian Heisen in the second round.

The only other Australian in singles action on Tuesday, Storm Sanders, was not quite so fortunate, losing in straight sets to Japanese sixth seed Erika Sema.

The West Australian put up little resistance in the opening set but fought her way back into the match, eventually bowing out 6-0 7-6(3).

Meanwhile, three-time Grand Slam doubles finalist Ashleigh Barty and her partner Arina Rodionova won their all-Aussie doubles affair over Sally Peers and Lizette Cabrera 6-3 7-5.

Wednesday’s action will see local favourite Alison Bai looking to cause an upset against top seed Miyu Kato of Japan, while her fellow Canberran Ashley Keir finds herself up against teenage qualifier Destanee Aiava.

Seventh seed Rodionova takes on in-form Czech Barbora Stefcova while Jaimee Fourlis, Sally Peers, Tammi Patterson, Olivia Tjandramulia and Jessica Moore are also all due to play.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.