BIRMINGHAM, England - Maria Sharapova beat Li Na of China 6-2, 6-4 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the DFS Classic.

Russia's Maria Sharapova hits a forehand during her third round tennis match against Na Li of China at the Birmingham Classic women's tennis tournament Birmingham, England, Thursday, June 15, 2006.[AP]

Sharapova broke Li's serve twice early in the first set and then closed her out after she double-faulted with the score 4-4.

The 2004 Wimbledon champion looked more comfortable on grass as she sought a third straight win at the Wimbledon warmup.

"I was definitely better than in my first match, and I think I will keep improving," Sharapova said. "I am getting a bit of rhythm. The bounce is low and you have to bend your knees."

Sharapova will face Mara Santangelo of Italy for a spot in the semifinals. Santangelo defeated Ai Sugiyama 7-6, 6-4.

In other matches, Francesca Schiavone of Italy beat Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria 3-6, 6-3, 6-1, and American Jamea Jackson downed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia-Montenegro, 6-4, 0-6, 7-5. American Meilen Tu defeated Sania Mirza of India 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3).