Sharapova into Stuttgart semis on doping ban return

Alex Visser from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, 16-14.

Their sudden-death final match against Bounty B was more nerve-wracking.

After a 19-all deadlock that resulted into overtime, the Mariners were staring at defeat when Bounty B, led by varsity players from the

STUTTGART, Germany — Maria Sharapova eased into the semifinals of Stuttgart's WTA tournament after seeing off qualifier Anett Kontaveit on Friday for her third-straight win on her comeback after a 15-month doping ban.

The 30-year-old five-time Grand Slam winner has yet to drop a set in Stuttgart and powered past National University (NU) Bullpups, took a 20-19 lead. Tournament rules stipulate that the team scores the first two points in extra time will automatically be declared as winner.

Lady fortune, however, smiled at UC when Bautista fished a foul after scoring on a difficult layup with five seconds left to go. Playing it cool under pressure, Bautista calmly sank his bonus free throw to seal the deal for the Mariners.

"Going into the game, we have nothing to lose. Good thing also that we're the underdogs because the pressure is on our opponents," said Samonte. Estonia's Kontaveit, ranked 73rd, for a 6-3, 6-4 quarterfinal win in one hour, 23 minutes.

This was another impressive display from the Russian, who hit four aces, 28 winners and just two double faults, while she converted five of her six break points.

"I served quite well and held my serve which "I'm really proud of my bots because they were very determined to win the championship. That makes me feel confident."

The UC Mariners will also represent the Philippines in the FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup on May 26-28 at the Cyberjaya Gem-In Mall in Malaysia. gave me confidence, so I'm happy," said Sharapova.

"We haven't played each other before, so the first six games were just about working each other out.