Tennis: Sharapova storms into 3rd round

TOKYO: Maria Sharapova got off to a confident start by beating Tamarine Tanasugarn at the Pan Pacific Open. The Russian world number two, who crashed to a surprise defeat to Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm last year, was in full swing as she defeated the veteran Thai 6-1, 7-5 to stride into the third round after a first-round bye. “I served really well,” said Sharapova. “I had a good percentage and a few aces.” Earlier in the day, seventh-seed Marion Bartoli of France defeated Japan’s Ayumi Morita 6-3, 0-6, 6-3 to reach the third round.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 27^th,  2011.