In blustery conditions, Sharapova also struggled to get to grips with the 30-year-old Niculescu's distinctive style, which relies heavily on a sliced forehand. The former world number one, twice a winner in Doha, had been given a wildcard into the draw and was one the tournament's major attractions. Nine of the top ten women's players are competing in Doha this week, but arguably Sharapova was the biggest attraction. In another Romanian versus Russian clash, Halep will start her tournament on Tuesday, playing against Muscovite, Ekaterina Makarova, a former world number eight. Also through on Monday was world number 30 Dominika Cibulkova, who beat Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the world number 22, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 12, 2018 21:56 UTC