Sharapova victorious on Kremlin Cup return

MOSCOW, Oct 11 (Reuters) US Open champion Maria Sharapova today came through a tough second-round match in the Kremlin Cup to beat fellow Russian Ekaterina Bychkova 6-4 7-5.

Sharapova was back in action for the first time since landing the U.S. Open title last month after being given a bye into the second round in Moscow.

She claimed her second grand slam crown when she beat Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-4 6-4 in the final of the US Open on September 9.

In another second-round match, Russian third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova slid to a 6-1 6-3 defeat at the hands of compatriot Vera Zvonareva.

In the men's tournament, Top-seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko enjoyed a 6-4 6-2 second-round victory over compatriot Teimuraz Gabashvili.

Dmitry Tursunov, the second seed, was knocked out 7-5 4-6 7-6 by Ukrainian qualifier Sergiy Stakhovsky in the first round.

REUTERS SHB ND2342