Maria Sharapova advance in Istanbul Cup

Maria has scored her 1st win on clay of 2007 today as she defeated #95 Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria 6-4 7-6 (1) in 2 hours and 15 minutes to advance to the quarters at the Istanbul Cup.

Pironkova broke Maria in the 1st set to lead 3-1, the Maria went on a roll by taking the next 4 games and just dropped 1 more game as she took the set 6-4.

Maria broke in the 1st game of the 2nd set but Pironkova broke Maria's serve in the 8th game and the set was finally decided on a tie-break which Maria won 7-1.

In the quarters to be played on Thursday, Maria will play either #7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Romina Oprandi of Italy, Maria hasn't played either player before.