Tennis: Aussie Open - Easy win for Sharapova

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova cruised into the last 16 of the Australian Open on Friday. The Russian fourth seed had no problems in dispatching rising Chinese star Li Na 6-0 6-2.

Some experts had expected a tight contest, especially after Sharapova dropped a set against Lindsay Lee-Waters in the previous round. But Li seemed fazed by the atmosphere on the Rod Laver Arena and it took her nine games to trouble the scoreboard with Sharapova winning the first set in just 20 minutes.

The second set was slightly closer, but the result never looked in doubt. Sharapova goes through to face Elena Baltacha's conqueror Silvia Farina Elia.

Sportinglife

Always happy to see her pulling through...