Sharapova wins rain-disrupted second round match

PARIS, May 31 (Reuters) Russian Maria Sharapova reached the third round of the French Open after winning a rain-disrupted match against Czech Iveta Benesova 6-4 6-1 today.

The Russian fourth seed brought her glamour to the centre court but also steel and shrieks to see off the world number 53.

After an early exchange of breaks, the match was interrupted by rain for 77 minutes. Sharapova returned to the court to wrap up the first set with an ace.

Rain stopped play a second time a few minutes later although this did not affect the 2004 Wimbledon champion who needed 36 minutes to pocket the second set.

Sharapova, who has been hampered by an ankle injury, saved a match point in her first round match against American Mashona Washington before winning in three sets.

Sharapova will meet either Australian Alicia Molik or Romania's Anda Perianu in the next round.

REUTERS PG HS2115