Maria Sharapova seals quarter-final spot in China Open

Maria Sharapova has advanced to the quarter-finals of the China Open with a 6-1 7-6(3) victory over Carla Suarez Navarro.

The Russian pro started strongly by securing an early double break in the first set, leaving Suarez Navarro on the back foot immediately.

The Spaniard struggled on the hard court as she failed to come close to a break-point opportunity and placed just one game on the board.

In the second set, Suarez Navarro showed her intent to get herself back into the match by saving three break points, but Sharapova struck again by grabbing the first break of the set.

Suarez Navarro eventually broke back to cause a tie-break, which Sharapova was able to edge 7-3 to book her place in the final eight.