Maria Sharapova books gold-medal final spot

Maria Sharapova came out on top in the Olympic semi-final tussle of the Russian Marias on Wimbledon's No. 1 Court this afternoon.

Sharapova's opponent, Maria Kirilenko, was a surprise package in the last four of the women's singles after defeating sixth seed Petra Kvitova yesterday.

After an even opening five games in today's semi, Sharapova broke to-love to take a 4-2 lead before going on to break again and claim the first set 6-2.

Kirilenko moved ahead by a break in the second at 3-2 but immediately surrendered her advantage.

Sharapova then held to-love before again breaking the Kirilenko serve in the next, going on to take the match 6-2 6-3 at the second time of asking in one hour and 27 minutes.

The 25-year-old will contest with either top seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus or American Serena Williams for the gold medal on Sunday.