Sharapova into first final since drugs ban

Maria Sharapova is on track for a first WTA title since returning from a drug ban, beating Peng Shuai in straight sets in the Tianjin Open semi-finals in China.

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is on track in China to win her first WTA title since returning from a drug ban. (AAP)

Maria Sharapova remains on course for a first WTA title since her comeback from a drugs ban after beating Peng Shuai in straight sets in the semi-finals of China's Tianjin Open.

The five-time grand-slam champion needed just 78 minutes on Saturday to beat third seed Peng 6-3 6-1 and book a decider with world No.102 Aryna Sabalenka.

Sharapova, a tournament wildcard, made the perfect start by breaking Peng's serve in the first game and closed out the set with another break.

Peng had held her own for much of the opening set but former world No.1 Sharapova broke early in the second and completed a comfortable win.

Sharapova, after returning in April, has advanced to her first WTA final since May 2015 without dropping a set.

The 30-year-old will meet teenager Sabalenka in Sunday's final. The Belarusian defeated Italy's Sara Errani 6-1 6-3.


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Source: AAP



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