Maria Sharapova wins Rome Open

Maria Sharapova has won the Rome Open with a three-set victory over China's Li Na.

World number nine Li was dealt a blow early on in the first set when she dropped a service game, but she broke Sharapova back twice on her way to a 6-4 win.

The Russian looked to be heading for a straight-sets defeat as Li raced into a 4-0 lead in the second, but 24 unforced errors allowed Sharapova back into the match to take the set 6-4.

It was the world number two who appeared the most likely to win the deciding set with two service breaks, but Li fought back to force the tie-break.

Both players moved for cover before the tie-break started as rain caused a lengthy delay in the Italian capital.

When play resumed Sharapova overwhelmed Li to secure the title with a 7-4 victory.