Dementieva and Sharapova in Stanford quarters

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:39

Maria Sharapova’s return to form is gathering pace. The Russian crushed compatriot Nadia Petrova 6-1 6-2 in just over an hour to reach the quarter-finals of the Bank of the West Classic.

The former world No.1 posted just her 13th win of the season – with four losses – since returning from a nine-month layoff because of shoulder surgery, but was satisfied with her seventh win in eight matches against the world No.10.

“I knew what I had to improve upon,” Sharapova said. “I started that first match lousy. This time the goal was to get a better start.

“I was aggressive the whole way through,” she said. “I didn’t have many letdowns and even when I made unforced errors I stayed with it.”

Sharapova will play the winner of the match between Venus Williams and Alla Kudryavtseva, who play on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Sam Stosur saw her way past Monica Niculescu 6-1 7-5 in the day session.

Elena Dementieva thrashed Maria Kirilenko 6-1 6-2 who appeared tired after her marathon three and half hour win over Anna Chakvetadze on Tuesday.

“I played some good points,” said Dementieva. “She has good variety in her game and can mix it up. But I tried to come in and take advantage of the net and her strategy didn’t have any effect on the outcome.”

Daniela Hantuchova posted a marathon upset against Agnieszka Radwanska, overturning the No.7 seed 4-6 7-6(6) 6-1 in a two and a half hour match.

In Turkey, Marta Domachowska reached her first quarter-final since April after overturning No.4 seed and former finalist Aravane Rezai 6-3 4-6 6-4 in the second round of the Istanbul Cup.

Fifth-seeded Vera Dushevina blitzed Maria Elena Camerin 6-0 6-1, avenging a second-round defeat at Portoroz last week, while Olga Govortsova topped Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-7(7) 6-4.

Timea Bacsinszky is also through after Mariya Koryttseva was forced to retire with an elbow injury. Bacsinszky was leading 6-2 3-6 4-1.

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