Maria Sharapova into Cincinnati Masters quarter-finals

Maria Sharapova won a place in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Masters after defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets.

Sharapova began the brighter and overpowered her fellow Russian to win the first set 6-2.

Kuznetsova was unable to get into her stride and conceded the second set 6-3 after being out-played by her opponent.

Sharapova will play Australian Sam Stosur in the last eight after she defeated China's Li Na in three sets.