Britain could have three players in the main draw of the Hastings Direct Championships but Elena Baltacha will not be one of them.

The domestic No. 1 was defeated 6-4, 6-1 by Virginie Razzano of France in the second round of qualifying yesterday.

Baltacha, returning from back trouble and plagued by illness in the last couple of years, volleyed the ball out of court in frustration after a double fault as the second set slipped out of sight.

Baltacha's misery contrasted with joy for Amanda Janes, who beat American Ansley Cargill 6-2, 7-6.

One more win for Janes in the final round of qualifying today will earn her a place in the first round proper alongside wild card recipients Anne Keothavong and Lucie Ahl.

Keothavong, the British No. 2 from Hackney, is being coached by Tony Pickard who steered Stefan Edberg to Wimbledon glory. She has been hampered by a wrist injury and faces a tough task against Japanese seventh seed Ai Sugiyama.

Ahl, a London-based Devonian ranked in the 200s, also has her work cut out against former Wimbledon semi-finalist Alexandra Stevenson.

Hove's Julie Pullin lost a tight match against Spain's Cristina Torrens Valero 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in the first round of qualifying on Saturday.

Pullin will now play in the plate and the doubles with Jane O'Donoghue to warm up for Wimbledon.