Russia's Maria Sharapova returns to compatriot Maria Kirilenko in their women's singles tennis semi-final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Club during the London 2012 Olympic Games August 3, 2012
Photo: Reuters
Russian flag bearer Maria Sharapova reached the Olympic women's singles final with 6-2 6-3 victory over compatriot Maria Kirilenko at Wimbledon on Friday.
The third seed, competing at the Games for the first time, will now hope to emulate Elena Dementieva who won gold in the event for Russia in Beijing four years ago.
Sharapova, wearing a dashing red shirt, was made to fight by Kirilenko in the second set but claimed victory with a volleyed winner on her second match point before blowing kisses to the fans watching on Court One.
She will face either Wimbledon champion Serena Williams or Victoria Azarenka for gold.