Sharapova sweeps into third round

LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) The 2004 champion Maria Sharapova swept into the third round at Wimbledon today with an authoritative 6-2 6-2 victory over American Ashley Harkleroad.

The number four seed, who has dropped just six games so far in her effortless progress through the early part of the draw, overpowered Harkleroad with her pinpoint accuracy and power-packed forehands.

In the first set, Sharapova's controlled aggression paid rich dividends. The elegant Russian teenager lost only three points on her own serve and she easily broke the American's serve twice.

Sharapova let slip two match points before securing a comfortable victory and will next meet either American Amy Frazier or Hungary's Melinda Czink.

REUTERS DH RAI1810