World number one Simona Halep swatted aside American Nicole Gibbs while Maria Sharapova was flawless in her straight sets victory over Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu in the opening round of the Shenzhen Open on Monday.

Halep, who sealed a 6-4 6-1 victory, struck three aces and fired 12 winners and was at her aggressive best to set up a second round clash with China's Duan Yingying who defeated Evgeniya Rodina 6-2 7-5.

"It's always nice to play here in Shenzhen," said Halep, who captured the Shenzhen Open title in 2015. "It's my first victory this year as number one in the world, so I'm happy and enjoying the time."

Five-times major winner Sharapova hit 18 winners and needed an hour and 22 minutes to despatch the seasoned Buzarnescu 6-3 6-0 for a winning start to the year.

"Every match gets tougher and as a competitor and someone who tries to be realistic, I like to only look ahead to the next opponent," Sharapova said after the match.

The Russian next faces 2017 runner-up Alison Riske, who upset China's fifth seed Wang Qiang on Sunday.

2018 Brisbane International in pictures Show all 22 1 /22 2018 Brisbane International in pictures 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Garbine Muguruza of Spain plays a shot during a practice session. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Frances Tiafoe of the USA plays a forehand in his match against Matthew Eden. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Johanna Konta of Britain hits a return against Madison Keys of the US. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Alize Cornet of France hits a return to compatriot Caroline Garcia. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Caroline Garcia of France retires with a lower back injury in her match against Alize Cornet. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine plays a backhand in her match against Ashleigh Barty of Australia. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Ashleigh Barty of Australia looks dejected during her match against Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Australia's Jordan Thompson serves against Jared Donaldson of the US. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Jared Donaldson of the US (L) shakes hands with Australia's Jordan Thompson (R) after his victory in the first round. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Madison Keys of the US wipes her face while playing against Johanna Konta of Britain. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Johanna Konta of Britain wipes her face while playing against Madison Keys of the US. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Madison Keys of USA plays a forehand in her match against Johanna Konta of Great Britain. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Elina Svitolina of Ukraine hits a return against Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Nick Kyrgios of Australia speaks at a press conference during day two of the 2018 Brisbane International. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia reacts after her victory over Samantha Stosur of Australia. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Steve Johnson of the US gestures while playing against Alex De Minaur of Australia. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Diego Schwartzman of Argentina reacts while playing against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine serves against Diego Schwartzman of Argentina. AFP/Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Milos Raonic of Canada speaks at a press conference during day one. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures A young girl is seen enjoying Kids Day at the 2018 Brisbane International. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Grigor Dimitrov plays a shot with a giant tennis racquet during Kids Day. Getty Images 2018 Brisbane International in pictures Brisbane International in pictures Garbine Muguruza poses for a photo at the Southbank Beach. Getty Images

"She beat a crowd favourite yesterday, so I know I have a tough match ahead, but I just want to keep playing better, and keep improving no matter who is across the net."

Unseeded Danka Kovinic, ranked 123 in the world, stunned Greek seventh-seeded Maria Sakkari 4-6 6-2 6-3.