Sharapova shoots down Harkleroad

LONDON: Maria Sharapova produced an awesome display of power as she crushed Ashley Harkleroad in the second round at Wimbledon on Thursday.   

There were few mistakes from the Russian 19-year-old as she defeated the American, and fellow Florida resident, 6-2, 6-2 in 67 minutes.

Sharapova, the 2004 champion, had the US number eight running all over Court Two, dubbed the graveyard of the seeds because so many have come unstuck there over the years.

The fourth seed now faces American Amy Frazier in the third round.

No-nonsense Sharapova took world number 76 Harkleroad to two deuces in the opening game but the American held her serve.