Sharapova makes successful comeback in Istanbul

ISTANBUL: Russian top seed Maria Sharapova advanced to the quarter finals of the WTA Istanbul tournament, defeating Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria in straight sets on Tuesday in her first match after nearly two months out through injury.

But it was clear Sharapova, ranked number two in the world, was not yet in top form after a shoulder injury that has kept her away from the courts since March.   

"It was a difficult match and I was not expecting much from myself because I just came back from one of my worst injuries. But it was good to beat a good player," said Sharapova.   

The 20-year-old won the first set 6-4 as she attacked with ruthless well-placed shots and the unseeded Pirankova tried to hold on with some good returns.   

Sharapova began the second and final set well, gaining a 5-2 advantage over her rival, but Pironkova fought back to equalize at 6-6, only to lose 7-6 after a tie-breaker which the Russian won 7-1.

"I, of course, did not feel 100 per cent. It was not my best performance," Sharapova said.

"But I hope I will get better as I play more games...And I hope I will stay healthy."   

In the quarter-finals, she will face the winner of the second round clash between Romina Oprandi of Italy and seventh-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland.   

Sharapova last played in March when she was thrashed 6-1, 6-1 in the Miami quarter-finals by Serena Williams.