MARIA OUT OF DUBAI CHAMPIONSHIPS

Russia's Maria Sharapova has pulled out of the $US1.5 million ($A1.62 million) Dubai Championships citing a viral illness.The Australian Open champion, who also won in Doha last week, is unbeaten in 2008 and had been scheduled to play her first match in Dubai on centre court in Tuesday's evening session."Unfortunately I have been battling a virus for several days and it's reached a point where I'm unable to compete," the world number five said in a statement."This is really disappointing to me, but I do intend to come back to Dubai next year and hopefully have a great tournament."

Picture of The CHAMPION

MARIA SHARAPOVA - THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION

Maria Wins The Australian Open.

Australain Open Final - STATS

Date:
26-Jan-08
Match Time:
Not Available
Tournament Day:
Final
Players & Seeds:
Maria Sharapova (5) vs Ana Ivanova (4)
Nationality:
M. Sharapova (RUS) vs A. Ivanova (SER)
Score:
(7 - 5) (6 - 3)
Winner:
Maria Sharapova (7 - 5) (6 - 3)

Comments:
Maria Sharapova is The Australian Open Champion.

Highlights = 186 km/h serve, 1 ace

I really enjoyed watching this final and seeing the lovely Maria Sharapova win against Ana Ivanovic. It was also her mothers birthday so Happy Birthday to Mrs Sharapova.

Well Done Maria. You are the champion!!!