Sharapova stays cool to crush Rodionova

MELBOURNE, Jan 18 (Reuters) Top seed Maria Sharapova made up for her marathon opening victory with a 6-0 6-3 drubbing of fellow Russian Anastassia Rodionova in the Australian Open second round today.

Sharapova, who was within two points of defeat by Frenchwoman Camille Pin in searing midday heat on Tuesday, looked much more comfortable on a cooler evening and clinched victory in 58 minutes.

The 24-year-old Rodionova, world number 100, raised her game in the second set but, struggling with a thigh injury that required treatment, she was powerless to stop Sharapova from beating her for the third time in three meetings.

Sharapova, 19, will play Italian Tathiana Garbin, the 30th seed, in the third round.

REUTERS PM VV1413