Molik stuns Sharapova to take Zurich title

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova saw her hopes of a third consecutive WTA title dashed on Sunday in a surprise defeat by unseeded Australian Alicia Molik in the final of the Zurich Challenge.



The Russian world number seven had looked in total control during the early stages of the final, out-powering and out-running Molik with a barrage of fine ground-strokes.



But after taking the first set 6-4, the 17-year-old Siberian seemed to lose her way in the second set, hitting a string of unforced errors to bring Molik back into contention.



The 23-year-old Australian took full advantage - breaking Sharapova's service twice to take the set 6-2.



After calling for treatment on her right shoulder, Sharapova was much improved in a tight third set.



But Molik, once touted as one of the game's most promising teenagers, maintained her momentum - grabbing a decisive break late on before serving out for an impressive 4-6 6-2 6-3 victory