China

Sharapova comfortable in victory over Li

(sportsline.com)
Updated: 2006-06-16 14:54
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Maria Sharapova beat Li Na of China 6-2, 6-4 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the DFS Classic.
Sharapova comfortable in victory over Li
Maria Sharapova beat Li Na of China 6-2, 6-4 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the  DFS Classic tennis tournament in Edgbaston.[Reuters]
Sharapova, playing her first tournament in 10 weeks, 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."

The Russian will face Mara Santangelo of Italy for a spot in the semifinals. Santangelo defeated Ai Sugiyama 7-6, 6-4.