Brave Sharapova holds nerve to progress in thriller

SECOND SEED Maria Sharapova saved two match points before progressing to the quarter-finals of the French Open after an epic fourth-round clash against Patty Schnyder yesterday.

The Russian, playing through pain at this year’s Roland Garros after her recent shoulder problems, held her nerve to claim a sensational 3-6 6-4 9-7 triumph, after more than two-and-a-half hours’ play on Suzanne Lenglen court.

Sharapova saved match points in the 10th and 14th games of the last set, only to clinch victory on the first of her own in the 16th and final game.