Sharapova is still looking for her first title since returning for injury

Maria Sharapova continued her domination of fellow Russian and 10th seed Nadia Petrova with victory in round one of the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

Former world number one Sharapova came through 6-3 6-4 for her eighth win in nine meetings with Petrova, and third this year.

Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine beat 13th seed Marion Bartoli of France 6-4 6-3.

France's 15th seed Amelie Mauresmo was beaten 6-2 3-6 6-1 by Fransesca Schiavone of Italy.

World number 17 Samantha Stosur of Australia and Poland's 14th seed Agnieszka Radwanska enjoyed straightforward wins, with leading names Dinara Safina and Serena and Venus Williams to play later in the week.

Sharapova is currently ranked 49 in the world as she makes her way back after 10 months out following surgery.

When I come into a tournament I want to win it but the mindset is to focus on every match Maria Sharapova

The 22-year-old broke Petrova in game five as she eased through the first set and, after dropping serve at the start of the second, reeled off four games in a row.

Sharapova failed to serve out the match at 5-3 but made amends immediately by breaking back and finally clinching victory on her third match point.

"She had an opportunity to make the match 5-5 in the second and it was good that I finished it in two," said Sharapova.

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"I think we know each other's game very well, I have a pretty solid game plan when I play her and the main thing is execution.

"If I do what I have in mind, I'm going to win the match."

She added: "Coming back trying to get use to the situation again, you just hope you move forward and get better and better every match. That's my goal right now.

"Obviously when I come into a tournament I want to win it but the mindset is to focus on every match."

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