Maria Sharapova beat fellow rising star Dinara Safina to reach the second round of the German Open on Tuesday. The Russian, seeded 17, came through 6-1 1-6 6-3 against her compatriot in Berlin and goes on to meet Hungary's Petra Mandula.
Jelena Dokic saw her poor run continue, the 15th seed going down 6-0 6-3 to Meghann Shaughnessy of the US.
Sixth seed Jennifer Capriati returned after injury with a 6-3 6-1 win over Germany's Julia Schruff.
"She 's a good little player but from the end of the first set I started to play really well," said Capriati, who has been troubled by back problems.
"My back is not 100% but it will never be and it's just something I have to live with."
And the 28-year-old is confident she can make an impact at the French Open, which starts later this month.
"I'm extra eager and hungry," she said.
"I have good memories there and if I can peak at the right time, my chances are as good as any."
Ninth seed Vera Zvonareva beat Tatiana Perebiynis 6-3 6-4, but struggling Daniela Hantuchova suffered another defeat, losing 6-2 6-2 to Patty Schnyder.
Russian fifth seed Nadia Petrova was too strong for home hope Anca Barna, beating the German 6-4 6-3.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
