Maria Sharapova outplays Venus Williams in Thai exhibition match

World number 14 Maria Sharapova started the 2010 season at a positive note by beating Venus Williams 63 64 in an exhibition match held Saturday at a beachside resort in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The warm-up event event ahead of the Australian Open this month was a well-attended one with both players appearing to have trouble adjusting to the heat. In the end, it was Sharapova’s solid baseline game that led to the victory in 1 hour and 34 minutes.

“It’s good to be back. I’m glad to play against Venus in my first match of the year,” Sharapova said.

“I still remember when I first came here (in 2005). I was still young and had a great match with Venus,” she added.

Williams, winner of seven Grand Slam titles, is still chasing her first Australian Open singles title. Sharapova won the first Grand Slam of the season in 2008 but was unable to defend the title last year due to shoulder injury.

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