WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China's wildcard player Zheng Qinwen lost to Taylor Townsend of the United States in the women's singles qualifying first round at the Miami Open on Monday.

The host player, 22, No. 96 in the WTA rankings, fought for two hours and 18 minutes to overcome the 16-year-old Zheng, No. 801 in the WTA rankings, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.

The Miami Open started on March 18 through to 31.