Sharapova shocked fourth seed in Barbados Grade 4

Daria Sharapova from Belarus, cousin of Maria Sharapova, made an upset by defeating fourth seed Fausthyara Pietersz of Netherlands Antilles in the first round of "Barbados Junior International Championships" held at National Tennis Center, St. Michael, Barbados. Sharapova earned it in a hard way but she prevailed to win 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-1. Currently enjoying her highest rank at ITF 768, in the second round 13 years old Sharapova will clash with Canadian Shereen Peterson-Paul who edged past local player, Alyssa Fuentes 6-4, 6-3. Playing only in her third Grade 4 tourney, Sharapova will face a test whether she will create a breakthrough or not by reaching quarterfinals of Grade 4 for the first time.

Top seed Russian Renata Arshavskaya won easily over local wild card Ancia Ifill 6-1, 6-1 in the opening round. While fifth seed Canadian Jelena Tomasovic cruised past Daryna Savchuk of Ukraine 6-1, 6-3 also in the first round.

Indonesian Nadia Ravita who partnered with Trinidad & Tobago player, Lee-Anne Lingo crashed out in the opening round. Duo Lingo/Ravita bowed out to second seed pair, Adel Arshavskaya/Renata Arshavskaya of Russia 2-6, 0-6.

Photos of Daria Sharapova & Maria Sharapova are courtesy of mariasharapova.com