Sharapova wins to set up clash with Venus Williams

The third-round showdown today will be worthy of a final: Maria Sharapova vs Venus Williams.

The third-round showdown today will be worthy of a final: Maria Sharapova vs Venus Williams.

They’ll play at the Sony Ericsson Open — their first meeting since the 2005 Wimbledon semi-finals. The top-seeded Sharapova advanced yesterday, beating Chan Yung-jan 6-3, 6-2 in her opening match following a first-round bye.

The unseeded Williams endured two rain delays in the second set before she eliminated No. 29 Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-3. Seeking her first Key Biscayne title, Sharapova faces a difficult draw. If she beats three-time champion Williams, she could face another three-time winner — Serena Williams — in the next round.

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“If you want to win a big tournament like this, you’ve got to play against good players,” Sharapova said. Venus Williams won the last time she faced Sharapova and went on to the Wimbledon title, her fifth and most recent Grand Slam championship. Sharapova won their other two meetings.

Williams needs a victory today for a shot at a fourth-round matchup against her sister. The last time they met was at the 2005 US Open.

While Sharapova is seeded No. 1, her seven-week reign atop the rankings ended this week when she was overtaken by Justine Henin. She began her bid to reclaim the top spot on a windy afternoon, double-faulting eight times against Chan and facing six break points but saving them all.

“I felt like I was in control,” Sharapova said. “With 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.”