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Kracijek books Sharapova match-up

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INDIAN WELLS, California -- Michaella Kracijek of the Netherlands earned a second round clash with top seed Maria Sharapova at the Pacific Life Open that started at Indian Wells on Wednesday.

Krajicek booked a shot at the Russian superstar with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Sweden's Sofia Arvidsson.

Defending champoin Sharapova will be playing for the first time since February 3, when she strained her hamstring in the semifinals of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

She must reach the semifinals to retain her world number one ranking over Belgian Justine Henin, one of several notable absentees.

In other action on Wednesday, Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki defeated Slovakia's Jarmila Gajdosova 6-3 6-1 to set up a meeting with Swiss ace Martina Hingis, who won the tournament back in 1998.

Seventh-seeded Czech Nicole Vaidisova said that despite the absentees the field still offered a challenge.

"Sure the Belgians didn't show up but then you still have Maria (Sharapova) and Svetlana (Kuznetsova)," the 17-year-old said on Wednesday.

"The field is tough but I am very positive going into this event. I have been practising the last couple of weeks and I came in here last night feeling good."

The Czech is hoping for a breakthrough year after reaching the semifinals of the French Open and making it to the fourth round of the Australian Open.

"I am excited about this year. I had a good start in Australia and I hope to keep that going," Vaidisova said.

In addition to proving her fitness, Sharapova will be looking to rebound from a surprising loss to Serena Williams in the 2007 Australian Open final.

"It was one of those days where (Serena) was playing amazing tennis," said Sharapova. "I just wasn't capable of finding a way to beat her. She wasn't giving me any opportunities and I wasn't able to get back into the match."

Serena and her older sister, Venus, and Lindsay Davenport are the most notable US women who are absent. Davenport is on maternity leave and pondering retirement while the Williams sisters have not played this event since 2001.

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