Wimbledon: Maria cruises into third round

Maria Sharapova swept into the third round at Wimbledon on Thursday with an authoritative 6-2 6-2 victory over American Ashley Harkleroad.

Number four seed Sharapova, winner in 2004, has dropped just six games so far this week and overpowered Harkleroad with her pinpoint accuracy and power-packed forehands.

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

In the first set, Sharapova's controlled aggression had paid rich dividends.

The elegant Russian teenager lost only three points on her own serve and she easily broke the American's serve twice in the clash on court two.

"It was a different atmosphere, there's a lot more going on on the other courts, you hear a lot more things," she said.

"But I think it's good, the fans can get to see you close up and personal."