 Sharapova will be looking for her third Grand Slam title in Australia |
Maria Sharapova began her 2007 campaign with a hard-fought win over China's Yan Zi at the Champions Challenge exhibition event in Hong Kong. The world number two let a double-break slip in the first set and another late in the second before winning 7-5 6-3.
Sharapova will next face fellow Russian Elena Dementieva, who beat Nicole Vaidisova 3-6 6-3 6-2.
"It was my first game of the year and it's always weird coming back after training for so long," said Sharapova.
"It doesn't matter who you play, you just have to concentrate on your own game.
"When you're playing in front of a great crowd, a full crowd, you step out on the court, it's a little bit different from what you've been doing.
"You have to adjust. You're never going to play your best tennis in your first match."
Kim Clijsters will take on Patty Schnyder in Friday's other semi-final.
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