Sharapova, V. Williams make easy through to quarters
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-09-23 09:15

"I got a very good first set, maybe it's too comfortable out there before she started playing better. Of course I got confident for the match (with the first set win), but in the middle I can't break her back and I just don't play very well in the second set. Finally I got myself mentally together and that's why I can win the match."

Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after scoring a point against Israel's Shahar Peer during their women's singles match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing September 22, 2005. [Reuters]

Sharapova will next play the 39-ranked Japanese Shinobu Asagoe, who breezed past Jill Craybas from the United States 6-2, 6-4 earlier on Thursday.

"She's physically very healthy, I'm being aggressive when facing her again," said Sharapova.

After younger sister's early exit, Venus Williams, the only hope to defend the dignity of the Williams', overcame a left knee injury to come by a comfortable win over 54-ranked Spaniard Llagostera 6-3, 6-1 in less than an hour.

After wrapping up the match, Venus danced to the music to celebrate her victory. With the win on Thursday, the five-time grand slam title winner improved her win-lose record of the year to 37-10 as well as that of career to 412-94.

Venus will next play Poland's Marta Domachowska, who ousted former Chinese Zheng Jie 6-3, 6-1 earlier on Thursday.

"I really want to win and I really want to play well, because everybody is playing hard, and you have to be careful. You never know who will come from back of you," said she.

When explaining her dance, Venus said, "I love dancing, whenever the music comes on, I dance. So when the music starts, I just dance. That becomes natural," said Venus.

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