Maria Sharapova defeats Romania´s Mihaela Buzarnescu

SHENZHEN: Five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova, making her Shenzhen debut,  despatched Romania´s world number 56 Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3, 6-0 in an hour and 20 minutes.

The Russian, who is embarking on her first full season since returning from a 15-month doping ban in April, sealed her straight sets win after striking 18 winners to 20 unforced errors.

"It´s quite remarkable to see a full stadium for a first round," she said. "It´s my first time here, so I didn´t know what to expect."

Sharapova will play American Alison Riske in the second round.