Sharapova advances

Maria Sharapova continued her improving form with a 6-4 7-5 win over Zheng Jie in the first round of the Bank Of The West Classic in Stanford.

Zheng, who coincidentally beat Sharapova in the Russian's last appearance on a hardcourt back in March, did not have enough to match her Russian opponent, who is looking near to her best again after injuries have hampered her progress in recent times.

Shahar Peer got the fright of her life against Daniela Hantuchova before sealing her progress.

The former world number five showed some of her best form as she claimed the first set without dropping a game, but the Israeli sixth seed fought back to claim a 0-6 6-4 6-3 win.

Elsewhere, it was an easier day for the seeds.

French fourth seed saw off Ashley Harkleroad of the United States 6-1 6-4, while Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer, seeded seventh, beat Chan Yung-Jan 6-3 6-1.

Eighth seed Victoria Azarenka had an even simpler task, beating Japan's Ayumi Morita 6-0 6-2.

There were also wins for Maria Kirilenko, Olga Savchuk and American teenagers Melanie Oudin and Christina McHale.