Sharapova keeps alive Russian dream

LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) Maria Sharapova led the Russian charge into the fourth round at Wimbledon today with a 6-3 6-2 win over American Amy Frazier.

The 2004 champion was one of seven Russian women to reach the third round here and following the exit of fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anna Chakvetadze yesterday, Sharapova produced a dazzling display on Centre Court.

Seeking to win her second grand slam title, Sharapova has now reached the last 16 or better in every one of her four visits to the All England Club.

The long-limbed teenager closed out the 74-minute win after Frazier sent a forehand wide.

Joining fourth seed Sharapova were Anastasia Myskina and Elena Dementieva.

Myskina outwitted Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-3 6-4, while seventh seed Elena Dementieva won a Russian duel with Elena Likhovtseva 7-5 6-3.

Dinara Safina, who reached her first grand slam quarter-final at the French Open last month, was not as fortunate.

The younger sister of former men's number one Marat Safin lost out on a possible meeting with top seed Amelie Mauresmo when she let a set and 4-1 advantage slip during a 3-6 7-6 6-1 defeat by Serb Ana Ivanovic.

Likhovtseva was troubled by a right ankle injury and had to take a three-minute time out after being broken in the first set to trail 5-6.

After getting her ankle heavily strapped, she was unable to prevent Dementieva from bagging the set.

But Likhovtseva refused to surrender without a fight and broke to lead 3-1 in the second set before Dementieva rallied and booked her place in the next round against Shenay Perry.

REUTERS SHR KP2235