Sharapova rules Russian battle at Wimbledon

Defending champion Maria Sharapova of Russia beat compatriot Nadia Petrova in straight sets to reach the semi-final of Wimbledon today.

In her toughest test so far to remain on course for a successful defence of her Wimbledon title, the number two seed overcame the number 10 seed 7-6 (8-6) 6-3.

The 23-year-old Petrova's challenge appeared to wilt when she was broken in her first service game of the second set to fall further behind.

But while Sharapova herself never looked in the slightest danger of being broken back, Petrova recovered to continue serving well and put pressure on her opponent.

The champion may have been finding her range but she was generally being matched in an absorbing baseline battle.

And Sharapova was fortunate to save the first break point against her when she served for the match, via a fortunate net cord.

Another lucky net cord gave her match point and the 18-year-old eventually served out for a 7-6 6-3 success in one hour 26 minutes.