IPTL 2015: Japan Warriors beaten by Indian Aces despite two wins for Maria Sharapova

International Premier Tennis League newcomers Japan Warriors were beaten on their competition debut on Wednesday, despite two wins from Maria Sharapova.

The second season of the short-format tournament began in Kobe, Japan, where the Warriors, who are a new team in the event - which has been expanded from four to five teams in 2015 - went down 25-24 to the Indian Aces, the defending champions.

Five-time major winner Sharapova beat Sam Stosur 6-4 in her singles set and also teamed up successfully with Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the mixed doubles.

However, a big win for veteran Fabrice Santoro - 6-2 over Marat Safin - in the legends set proved vital before Frenchman Gael Monfils teamed up with Rohan Bopanna to beat home favourite Kei Nishikori and Herbert.

Although Nishikori beat Monfils 6-4 to finish the tie, it was not enough to prevent the Warriors slipping to defeat.

In the day's other match, tournament favourites UAE Royals eased past the Singapore Slammers 26-20.

The Slammers, who have added Andy Murray to their roster for the Dubai leg later this month, lost all but one of the five sets - Nick Kyrgios beating Czech star Tomas Berdych 6-2.

Ana Ivanovic was among the winners for the Royals, the Serb beating talented Swiss Belinda Bencic 6-3.

Live International Premier Tennis League

The rules

Matches in the IPTL are made up of five sets, one each of men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, mixed doubles and legends' singles.

However, in a change to last year's format, points are not awarded for wins over fellow teams. Instead the percentage of games won and lost is used to determine the league standings, meaning every game carries weight.

Another change in 2015 will see a final introduced with the top two teams from the regular season meeting in Singapore on December 20. Last season the champion team was simply the one which finished top of the table.

Live International Premier Tennis League

Watch the International Premier Tennis League, live on Sky Sports, throughout December.

By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.