Sharapova eases to Ivanovic win

Sharapova overpowered Ivanovic and won comfortably

Maria Sharapova made short work of Ana Ivanovic in her final round-robin match of the WTA Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid, winning 6-1 6-2.
Ivanovic never got going against the Russian, who overwhelmed her opponent.

Sharapova's victory means she will meet her compatriot Anna Chakvetadze in the semi-finals, while Ivanovic plays defending champion Justine Henin.

Meanwhile, Marion Bartoli needed only eight games to beat Jelena Jankovic, who retired feeling unwell.

At 4-1 down, the Serbian called the doctor then took a 10-minute break and with one game played of the second set she quit, citing breathing problems.

Both Bartoli and Jankovic were already out of contention to reach the last four.

In Friday's third and final match, Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova beat world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-6 6-0 in a consolation match between the two eliminated players.

Sharapova has struggled with fitness problems this season but she was pleased with her form against Ivanovic and is confident of continuing her progress.

"I thought I was solid from the beginning," she explained. "I was just glad I could be out here and play as many matches as I can this year.

"I'm not really thinking about my chances. I know I can be capable on the court. I don't have to worry about who I play. If I play well I will be fine."

Bartoli's win, in her final group match, came too late to keep her in the tournament and Jankovic's retirement means she was denied a proper victory.

"It's been the strangest week for me," said the French star, who replaced the injured Serena Williams this week.