Sharapova has twice been champion in Birmingham in the past

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova eased to victory over Stephanie Dubois on the first day of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham.

The 22-year-old, a two-time winner at the Edgbaston Priory Club, cruised to a 6-4 6-2 success over the Canadian.

Sharapova won at Edgbaston in 2004 and 2005 and is the star attraction after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Elsewhere British number four Elena Baltacha also progressed beating fellow Brit Georgie Stoop 6-3 6-4.

Naomi Cavaday, the British number six, was another winner, beating American Julie Ditty 6-2 7-6 (7-2).

The Kent 20-year-old, 297th in the world, took command against a player ranked 177 places above her when she broke in the fifth game of the opening set.

606: DEBATE Can Sharapova win go on to win in Birmingham? DW

She broke again and served out the first set inside 27 minutes and after two breaks were exchanged in the second set, Cavaday triumphed in the tie-break.

"It got a bit nervy at the end of the second set," said Cavaday, a wild card entry.

"Even though I didn't serve out the match on my first chance, I didn't panic as I knew that I normally play well in tie-breaks.

"I closed it out and that's the main thing and I'm absolutely thrilled."

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