R3: M. Sharapova def. M. Krajicek 7-6(7-4), 6-7(3-7), 6-4 Photo by Chris Carlson/AP LOS ANGELES--(lawntennismag.com) At the East West Bank Classic in Los Angeles, top seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia struggled before beating Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands 7-6(7-4), 6-7(3-7), 6-4 in two hours and fourty-seven minutes to advance to Friday's quarterfinals.

Sharapova withstood ten service breaks against her serve, still recovering from injury it seems. Of the match's 225 points, Krajicek actually won 113 to Maria's 112. Krajicek battled back after losing the first set but was unable to hold on for the upset. In Friday's quarterfinals, Sharapova takes on fellow Russian and 9th seeded Elena Dementieva who defeated 5th seeded Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 6-3, 4-1 when she retired due to an upper-respiratory illness. Head to head Sharapova leads Dementieva 6-2. In their last meeting Sharapova won 6-1, 6-4 at the 2006 WTA Tour Championships. Dementieva won however last year in Los Angeles and as Maria has shown this year her serve is open to attack. The problem for Elena is her own serve is attackable as well. Tomorrow night's match could be a good show to watch live on ESPN2, but Sharapova most likely will finally overpower Elena so I'm picking Maria to win it in three sets. And here's to hoping Elena can keep the doublefaults to a minimum.