MOSCOW: Russian second seed Maria Sharapova has pulled out of the Kremlin Cup here with a right hip injury.
 
The 19-year-old Sharapova, third in the WTA rankings, enjoyed a first round bye in Moscow but said she felt pain in her right hip after her second round straight-sets win over compatriot Ekaterina Bychkova on Wednesday.   
 
"I felt pain in my right hip after my first match here," this year's US Open champion said.
 
"I couldn't practise or even walk yesterday.   
 
"I have to pull out. I'm really disappointed but I have no choice."
 
Russian Anna Chakvetadze earned a place in the event's semi-finals after Sharapova's decision to withdraw.