Sharapova beats Stosur at WTA Championships

Istanbul: Maria Sharapova swept past Sam Stosur 6-0, 6-3 at the WTA Championships on Friday to retain a small chance of finishing the year as the No. 1-ranked player in the world. If Victoria Azarenka beats Li Na in the final match of the day, however, she will be assured of staying No. 1.

Sharapova has already qualified for the semifinals of the elite, eight-women event. The Russian rolled through the first set, allowing Stosur only five points. Stosur was an alternate who replaced defending champion Petra Kvitova, who withdrew because of illness.

Stosur put up more of a fight in the second set, but Sharapova ended it with a smash. Sharapova won the French Open this year and briefly held the No. 1 ranking.