Moscow 2010 says that Maria Sharapova, one of the world’s top tennis players, has pledged her support for Moscow’s bid to host the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Sharapova said at a press conference, “I have said in the past that both Moscow and Singapore are strong candidates to host the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games. My heart beats for Moscow and I hope it will be elected to stage these Games”.

She added, “I am confident Moscow has all it needs to deliver an unforgettable global youth festival”.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., today announced an extension of its global marketing relationship with tennis star Maria Sharapova through 2010.  The relationship will continue to include global advertising, retail promotions and events. 

Sharapova, the world's 5th ranked women's tennis player, has won three grand slams during her career - the Australian Open in 2008, the U.S. Open in 2006 and Wimbledon in 2004.  Sharapova has been with Canon since 2004 and her winning record on the court as well as her style, presence and elegance off it, make her a natural global representative for Canon the brand.

Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova defeated Tzipi Obziler 6-0 6-4 in her Fed Cup debut, helping defending champions Russia level 1-1 with Israel in the first round on Saturday.

Maria Sharapova extended her fine start to 2008 with victory in her first Fed Cup match for Russia.

Earlier, Israel's Shahar Peer rallied to defeat Dinara Safina 0-6 6-2 6-2.

Sharapova led 5-1 in the second set after sweeping the first before Obziler won three straight games with the support of the 6,000-capacity crowd at Ramat Hasharon Tennis Center.

Maria Sharapova will face Tzipi Obziler in her Fed Cup debut when defending champion Russia plays Israel in the first round on Saturday.

The Australian Open champion was drawn on Thursday to face Obziler in the second singles match of the best-of-five tie.

"I just hope I can figure out her game as soon as possible and come out with a win," said Sharapova, who has never met Obziler.

After Fed Cup, Maria will play the following events:
Qatar Total Open in Doha (feb 18)
Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships in Dubai (feb 25)
Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells (march 10)
Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.(march 24)

Doha will begin on February 18th and Dubai will begin the week after.  Maria didn't play either event last year and her best result in both was winning Doha in 2005 and reaching the final in Dubai in 2006.