Federer, Capriati given wild cards

Federer was the only non-Briton awarded one of the seven cards with one being held in reserve.

Capriati was joined on the women8217;s side by Austrian Barbara Schwartz, a surprise quarterfinalist at the French Open, with the rest of the slots given to local players, minus one being held in reserve.

Unseeded Brandi faces Tauziat

BIRMINGHAM: Unseeded American Kristina Brandi moved into the second round of the DFS Classic, where she will meet top-seeded Nathalie Tauziat of France, last year8217;s Wimbledon runner-up.

Brandi defeated Britain8217;s Samantha Smith 6-2, 6-3.

In other first-round matches, Sabine Appelmans of Belgium defeated Jo Ward of Britain 6-3, 6-2, and American Nicole Arendt won over Julie Pullin of Britain 6-2, 7-5.

While Elena Tatarkova of Ukraine defeated Christina Papadaki of Greece 6-0, 4-6, 7-5, and Amanda Hopmans of the Netherlands advanced over Emilie Lott of France 7-5, 6-0.