Sharapova books final spot

Top seed Maria Sharapova claimed back-to-back victories on Friday to reach the final of the Strasbourg International.

Russian wins two matches in rain-hit Strasbourg

Top seed Maria Sharapova claimed back-to-back victories on Friday to reach the final of the Strasbourg International. With rain having washed out two of the last eight matches on Thursday and the final being played on Saturday, Sharapova was set a busy schedule. The world number 13 certainly proved her wellbeing ahead of the French Open next week, defeating Julia Goerges of Germany 7-6 6-1 before disposing of fifth-seed Anabel Medina Garrigues later in the day. The Spaniard took the first set in the semi-final as Sharapova managed to hold serve just once, but the Russian hit back by racing into a 5-0 lead in the second. Medina Garrigues was also broken twice in the deciding set as Sharapova booked her place in Saturday's final against unseeded Kristina Barrois, taking victory 4-6 6-2 6-2. The German had the luxury of taking the morning off after completing her quarter-final before the rain arrived on Thursday, and outbattled American Vania King with a narrow 2-6 6-2 7-6 success. Barrois failed to take an opportunity to serve out the match at 6-5 in the third set, but the world number 77 regained her composure to edge the tie-breaker 8-6.