Sharapova beats Li to advance
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-16 09:17
BIRMINGHAM, England - Maria Sharapova beat Li Na of China 6-2, 6-4 Thursday
to reach the quarterfinals of the DFS Classic.
Russia's Maria Sharapova hits a forehand
during her third round tennis match against Na Li of China at the
Birmingham Classic women's tennis tournament Birmingham, England,
Thursday, June 15, 2006.[AP] |
Sharapova broke Li's serve twice early in the first set and then closed her
out after she double-faulted with the score 4-4.
The 2004 Wimbledon champion looked more comfortable on grass as she sought a
third straight win at the Wimbledon warmup.
"I was definitely better than in my first match, and I think I will keep
improving," Sharapova said. "I am getting a bit of rhythm. The bounce is low and
you have to bend your knees."
Sharapova will face Mara Santangelo of Italy for a spot in the semifinals.
Santangelo defeated Ai Sugiyama 7-6, 6-4.
In other matches, Francesca Schiavone of Italy beat Tsvetana Pironkova of
Bulgaria 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, and American Jamea Jackson downed Jelena Jankovic of
Serbia-Montenegro, 6-4, 0-6, 7-5. American Meilen Tu defeated Sania Mirza of
India 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3).
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