Ruth clinches P23 first place SPORTS 2424 Friday, January 5, 2018 Shenzhen Open Sharapova, Halep ease into semis

Shenzen 15-month doping ban, and the ormer world number world number 59 is aiming one Maria Sharapova cruised past for a title-winning start to Kazakhstan`sF Zarina Diyas and into the the year in her first visit to semi-finals of the Shenzhen Open in China Shenzhen. Maria Sharapova of yesterday. “I feel like I`m having Russia reacts (Picture Sharapova, who won 6-3, 6-3, struck 24 a nice little tour of China. courtesy: Xinhua) winners and five aces to stay on course for a title It`s my fourth Chinese city clash with top-ranked Simona Halep after the in a few months,” Sharapova Romanian dismissed Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-2. added. “I’m glad that I ended up being the winner “It`s obviously been a great of the match,” Sharapova said in a courtside welcome here. It took many interview. “I didn`t play my best tennis and years for me to play this event there`s certainly a lot of things to improve on in but I`m really glad that I did.” the next. The great thing is that I`m through and Sharapova plays Katerina have another chance to play tomorrow.” Siniakova next after the The five-times grand slam champion committed defending champion beat fellow 22 unforced errors in the match but stepped up Czech Kristyna Pliskova 6-2, 6-2. her game at decisive moments of the contest to get Earlier, fourth seed Irina- past her spirited rival. Camelia Begu had to work hard to Sharapova`s only title in 2017 came at the overcome Timea Babos 7-5, 7-5 to set up a semifinal Simona Halep Tianjin Open, after she came back from a meeting with her compatriot Halep. (AFP)

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