Sharapova through to Birmingham final

Maria Sharapova came through a sticky first set to reach the final of the DFS Classic on Saturday, beating Tatiana Golovin of France 7-5 6-1.



The Russian top seed, who beat Golovin in the final here last year before going on to claim the grasscourt prize at Wimbledon, squandered a 5-2 lead in the opening set before edging it on her fifth set point.



Golovin, a year younger than the 18-year-old Sharapova, capitulated quickly in the second after needing treatment on her ankle. World number two Sharapova will play third seed Jelena Jankovic in Sunday's final starting at 13.00 GMT+1.
Congratulations Maria!