Maria Sharapova blitzes past Mariana Duque-Marino in Madrid

Defending champion Maria Sharapova has blasted her way into the third round of the Madrid Open thanks to a straight-sets victory over Mariana Duque-Marino.

The Russian was forced to save two break points in the first service game of the match before moving into a 3-0 lead.

Duque-Marino, who beat Heather Watson in the last round, offered some resistance after that but she was unable to stop Sharapova claiming the opening set 6-1.

Sharapova took further control at the start of the second by winning four consecutive games, and the five-time Grand Slam champion went on to secure a 6-1 6-2 triumph in just over an hour.