Sharapova comes up trumps with straight sets win over Knapp

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The Russian was taken to three sets in both of her opening matches at this year's Roland Garros, but she showed huge improvement in her 7-6 (7/4) 6-0 win over 32nd seed Karin Knapp on Philippe Chatrier court.

Smasher: Maria Sharapova serves to Italy's Karin Knapp

Top seed Maria Sharapova finally found some form at the French Open to clinch a spot in the fourth round.

She will next play 13th seed and fellow Russian Dinara Safina, who was a 6-2 7-5 winner over Chinese qualifier Jie Zheng.

Elsewhere in the third round, fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova was in ruthless mood as she disposed of fellow Russian Nadia Petrova with the loss of just three games.

Kuznetsova, the runner-up at Roland Garros in 2006, was highly impressive in her 69-minute, 6-2 6-1 victory over the 25th seed on Philippe Chatrier court.

"I thought I played really consistently," said the 2004 US Open winner.

"I was trying not to make unforced errors in the first two or three shots. Not to rush too much.

"I definitely think I have a chance (to win the title). Why not? There are a few players who have a shot to win it and I hope one of them is me."

Kuznetsova is scheduled to meet Sharapova in the semi-finals.

She next plays Victoria Azarenka, the 16th seed from Belarus who thrashed Francesca Schiavone 6-1 6-1 on Suzanne Lenglen court.

In the bottom half of the draw, third seed Jelena Jankovic quickly wrapped up her match against Dominika Cibulkova that was held over from Friday, when bad light forced play to be suspended.

The Serbian resumed a set and 4-2 ahead against the 28th seed from Slovakia, and won two of the next three games to clinch a 7-5 6-3 victory. She will now play Agnieszka Radwanska in the fourth round.