BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Maria Sharapova of Russia outlasted ninth seed Victoria Azarenka ofBelarus 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5 to reach the last 16 of the China open WTA/ATP tournament here on Tuesday.

Maria Sharapova of Russia jubilates after the second round match of women's singles against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Sharapova won 2-1. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang) Photo Gallery>>>

    Sharapova, who enjoyed a first-round bye at China Open, battled for three hours and six minutes to win the match. The former world number one was fresh from taking the Pan Pacific Open last week after the other finalist Jelena Jankovic retired from the final.

    Sharapova, ranked 15th, drew massive applause as she went onto the court. Although Azarenka broke her early in the first set and took a 3-1 lead, the 22-year-old Russian broke back in the sixth and eighth games while powering six aces in the first set.

    Azarenka found her rhythm in the second set by breaking twice.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus returns the ball during the second round match of women's singles against Maria Sharapova of Russia at China Open 2009 in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2009. Azarenka lost 1-2. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Sharapova fought back in the decisive set after lagging behind 2-5 before leveling to 5-5. In the 12th game, Sharapova got her first match point and converted on it to seal the victory.

    Sharapova will next meet the winner of the match between Jelena Jankovic and Chinese sensation Peng Shuai.