Sharapova shows appetite for fight
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Maria Sharapova's build-up to the defense of her Wimbledon crown remained on track after a hard-fought win over Australia's Samantha Stosur on Thursday.
The Russian star moved into the quarterfinals of the DFS Classic at Edgbaston, Birmingham, with a 6-3 3-6 6-1 success over the 21-year-old Queenslander.
"I had to fight for it -- she pushed me -- but it's good to have these matches. I enjoy these challenges," said Sharapova who has won all four meetings with Stosur.
"It's what champions are all about. You might not be playing your best tennis or your opponent is playing great tennis and it comes down to the wire. You have to figure out a way to win and you do.
"That comes with experience, of course, but it's important to learn from your match."
Thai star Tamarine Tanasugarn came from a set down to book her place in the last eight at the expense of French girl Stephanie Foretz.
Tamarine, looking to put the disappointment of her first round exit from the French Open behind her on her favourite surface, dropped the first set but looked comfortable as she eased to a 2-6 6-3 6-3 win.
The Thai, a veteran of the women's circuit at the ripe old age of 28, now faces American Laura Granville for a place in the last four.
Granville, who had already accounted for second seed Alicia Molik of Australia, came through her third round match with a 7-6 6-4 win over qualifier and fellow American Jamea Jackson.
Sixth seed Shinobu Asagoe of Japan crashed out after a 6-4 6-4 defeat at the hands of Russian Anna Chakvetadze.