Sharapova successively storms into Melbourne finals

Russian lass Maria Sharapova continues with her good run in the grand slam opener Australian open as she outclassed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 6-3, 6-1, to move into the Saturday’s final eyeing her third Grand Slam singles title, in Melbourne on Thursday.

Sharapova lost the Aussie open final last year to Serena Williams. She meets the winner of Serbian Ana Ivanovic and Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova who will fight it out in the second semi-final.

The 20-year-old Sharapova, who hasn't dropped a single set in six matches at Melbourne Park this year wrapped up her victory in just 78 minutes at Melbourne Park, won her first grand slam at Wimbledon in 2004, then she claimed U.S. Open two years back and who knows that it might be Australian Open in 2008.

She started the day’s proceedings on a rampant note and led 5-0 in the opening set before Jankovic fought back and broke two services to make it 5-3. But Sharapova settled the issue on her sixth set point.

"I'm really happy to get back in the final," Sharapova said after winning her match.

"I'm glad that I've been able to play such good tennis and I hope it can continue for one more match," Sharapova added.

Sharapova got her act together after first set lapses and broke Jankovic's serve to open the second set and led 3-0, after which the Serbian player took a time-out for receiving treatment for a visible back strain.