Tennis: Sharapova advances to quarters

Maria Sharapova in action at the ASB Classic. Photo / Getty Images

Top seed Maria Sharapova has advanced to the quarterfinals at the ASB Classic today, beating Renata Voracova in straight sets.

It wasn't an easy ride for the two-time Grand Slam champion who was made to work for her second round victory before eventually coming away with a 6-4 7-5 win.

Sharapova will play either Germany's Greta Arn or Sweden's Sofia Arvidsson in the next round.

Earlier China's Shuai Peng provided the first major upset at the ASB Classic after shocking third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets.

Peng advanced to the quarterfinals after beating the two-time Grand Slam champion 6-2 4-6 6-4 on centre court.

Russian top seed Maria Sharapova is due up next on centre court to play Renata Voracova of the Czech Republic.

Meanwhile former runner-up Elena Vesnina retired from the tournament in the final set against Romanian Simona Halep.

The Russian seventh seed complained of dizziness when she withdrew with Halep ahead 2-6 6-4 4-0.

- Herald online/NZPA