Sharapova back with impressive win

Defending champion Maria Sharapova made an impressive return to the San Diego Classic by overpowering Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1 6-3 in the second round on Wednesday.

Number two seed Sharapova will face 13th seed Tatiana Golovin of France on Thursday, who beat Luxembourg's Anne Kremer 6-1 4-6 6-2.

Playing her first match since falling to Venus Williams in the fourth round of Wimbledon, Sharapova played a steady yet lethal match, standing inside the baseline and taking big rips at the Thai's groundstrokes.

Sharapova, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury all year, also cut loose on her first serves and kept most of the points short, nailing nine aces.

"I did a lot well tonight," Sharapova, who has not won a title this year, told reporters.

"I had a few lapses but I know I can improve every match. I'm hungry and I'll put in the work, but you never know when it's going to pay off."

The Russian said she was learning to deal with her shoulder problem and was optimistic about a full recovery.

"It's still not perfect, but right now I know it's not going to get any worse," she said. "If I keep doing the right things, I know it will get better."