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May 8th, 2006, 06:09 AM
Courtesy of www.topspinassociation.com:
Sharapova Loses in Debut to Rubin
Auckland, New Zealand (AP)--- Russian fashion puss Maria Sharapova won the first set tonight in the quarterfinal night match against Chanda Rubin, 6-2, but the feisty American rallied back to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Sharapova was in control early in the first set and kept Rubin on her heels, blasting winners from both sides. Rubin then returned the favor and went up 4-1 in the second set. Sharapova mustered some energy to get the match back on serve at 4-3 but Rubin broke the Sharapova serve and served out the set. Rubin maintained the momentum in the third set, getting a quick 3-1 lead and ultimately a 5-2 lead. The Russian had one more trick up her sleeve, and got the match back on serve at 5-4 but faltered at the finish line. Rubin took advantage and blasted a crosscourt winner on her 2nd match point that Sharapova was not able to return. The next tournament for both women will be the Medibank International in Sydney, a warm-up event for the Australian Open.
Sharapova Loses in Debut to Rubin
Auckland, New Zealand (AP)--- Russian fashion puss Maria Sharapova won the first set tonight in the quarterfinal night match against Chanda Rubin, 6-2, but the feisty American rallied back to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Sharapova was in control early in the first set and kept Rubin on her heels, blasting winners from both sides. Rubin then returned the favor and went up 4-1 in the second set. Sharapova mustered some energy to get the match back on serve at 4-3 but Rubin broke the Sharapova serve and served out the set. Rubin maintained the momentum in the third set, getting a quick 3-1 lead and ultimately a 5-2 lead. The Russian had one more trick up her sleeve, and got the match back on serve at 5-4 but faltered at the finish line. Rubin took advantage and blasted a crosscourt winner on her 2nd match point that Sharapova was not able to return. The next tournament for both women will be the Medibank International in Sydney, a warm-up event for the Australian Open.