Tennis: Sharapova advances to third round

MELBOURNE - Women's No 4 seed Maria Sharapova advanced to the third round of the Australian Open tennis championship tonight, overcoming stubborn American qualifier Ashley Harkleroad 6-1 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena.

Sharapova saved three set points in an hour-long second set to finally break down Harkleroad, eventually holding her serve in the 10th game then breaking the American immediately after to win their second round match.

The Russian, who had been battling shoulder and rib problems coming into the tournament, now plays Zuzana Ondraskova of the Czech Republic.

- AAP