Sharapova motors into fourth round

MELBOURNE, Jan 20 (Reuters) Maria Sharapova produced a ragged display before slipping past Italy's Tathiana Garbin 6-3 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open today.

The Russian top seed was broken twice in the opening set but hit back four times herself to seal it with a scorching forehand winner down the line.

Playing under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena due to rain, Sharapova switched into a different gear in the second and moved the hapless Garbin around before clinching victory in 69 minutes.

She will next face either compatriot Vera Zvonareva or Serbian 13th seed Ana Ivanovic for a place in the last eight.

REUTERS MQA BST0725