Maria Sharapova is into the last 16 of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida, after she dispatched Sloane Stephens in straight sets.
The world number two found two early breaks of serve in the first set as she looked comfortable against her American opponent.
However, Stephens managed to break the Russian in what was a momentary shift of power.
Despite losing on her serve, Sharapova's game held firm as she held on to take the first set 6-4.
It was far more routine for the three-time Grand Slam winner in the second thanks to an instant service break.
She claimed another to go 5-2 ahead before she served out the set, and the match, 6-2.
