BEIJING (AFP) - Steady rain prevented any play by early afternoon Wednesday at the China Open, with fans desperate to see a win for local favourite Zheng Jie and world number two Jelena Jankovic due on court.

Wimbledon semi-finalist Zheng was 3-0 up in the first set of her first round match when rain brought an early end to play on Tuesday, offering hope for a Chinese winner after four players from the host nation crashed out.

Serbia's Jankovic, the top seed in Beijing, was due to play Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak in the second round after receiving a first round bye.

In the men's draw, fifth seed Fernando Verdasco was due to open his campaign after first round wins on Tuesday for fellow Spaniards Tommy Robredo and former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero.