Sharapova wins opening match at Key Biscayne

Maria Sharapova began her bid to regain the No. 1 ranking Saturday by beating Chan Yung-jan 6-3, 6-2 in her opening match at the Sony Ericsson Open.
Sharapova is seeded No. 1, but her seven-week reign atop the rankings ended this week when she was overtaken by Justine Henin.

Seeking her first Key Biscayne title, Sharapova faces a difficult draw. She could face Venus and Serena Williams �€“ each a three-time champion �€“ in her next two matches.
�€œIf you want to win a big tournament like this, you've got to play against good players,�€ Sharapova said.

On a windy afternoon, Sharapova double-faulted eight times against Chan and faced six break points but saved them all.

�€œI felt like I was in control,�€ Sharapova said. �€œWith the break points she had, I was able to come up with good defensive play. She had me on the run on some of those break points, and I was able to come up with good shots. But it's the first match. It's never completely there. I'm sure I'll get better.�€

The 17-year-old Chan fell to 0-5 this year.