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Maria Sharapova overcomes Svetlana Pironkova challenge

Sharapova beats Pironkova
© PA Photos
Maria Sharapova battles her way past former semi-finalist Tsvetana Pironkova to secure a third-round berth at Wimbledon.

Maria Sharapova remains on course for a French Open and Wimbledon double after overcoming Tsvetana Pironkova 7-6[3] 6[3]-7 6-0 in the second round at SW19.

The match was postponed overnight with Sharapova leading by a set to love and the second set evenly poised at two games apiece.

When play resumed on Thursday, neither player was able to gain immediate control as the second set continued to go with serve.

It would eventually be settled on a tie-break, which was won by the Bulgarian partly thanks to some sloppy play from Sharapova, who double-faulted three times.

However, Sharapova was to show no such generosity in the deciding set as she stormed to a bagel win over the former Wimbledon semi-finalist.

The world number one will now face Su-Wei Hsieh in the third round after the Chinese Tapei player beat Stephanie Foretz Gacon.

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Joe Fish
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