Maria Sharapova remains on course to successfully defend her French Open title after seeing off 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur 6-3 6-4 in the third round.
The five-time Grand Slam champion had a wobbly start when she lost serve early in the first set, but the Russian immediately broke back to keep herself in the game.
Both players lost serve once again as they tussled for control, but it was Sharapova who struck with a crucial break point, which allowed her to successfully serve for the set.
The competitors showed strength while defending their serves in the second set and Stosur came close to breaking early, but she relinquished the point.
The vital moment of the clash came when Sharapova went a break up in the seventh game and immediately held before wrapping up the contest.
Danielle Joynson
