Sharapova powers on

Maria Sharapova eased through to the quarter-finals of the AEGON Classic with a 6-3 6-1 over fellow Russian Alla Kudryavtseva.

Russian into last eight, Britons bite the dust

Second seed Maria Sharapova eased through to the quarter-finals of the AEGON Classic in Birmingham with a comfortable 6-3 6-1 over fellow Russian Alla Kudryavtseva. However, it proved a less fruitful day for the home players as the last remaining Britons bowed out. Anne Keothavong fought hard in her encounter with China's Na Li, but still fell in straight sets to the top seed, losing 6-2 6-4. Meanwhile, teenager Laura Robson also impressed, but like her compatriot was beaten in straight sets as third seed Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium proved too strong with a 7-5 6-4 win. Robson said afterwards: "They were tough conditions out there today. I started off quite well but I definitely could have done better. But I can take a lot from today as well." The day saw many competitors playing catch-up after long rain delays earlier in the week and Wickmayer returned to court to join Sharapova in the quarter-finals with a 6-4 6-4 win over Thai veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn. Top seeded Li was poised at one set all in her third round match with Germany's Angelique Kerber when darkness fell and play was suspended. Kerber took the first set 6-4 before Li hit back to win the next 6-3. Sharapova's next opponent will be Bulgarian qualifier Sesil Karatantcheva, who beat 10th seed Magdalena Rybarikova 6-2 6-7 (3-7) 6-2. Aravane Rezai of France and Alison Riske of the United States also made it to the last eight.