Sharapova wins opener in Moscow

Sharapova is currently ranked third in the world

Maria Sharapova made a successful return in her first match since winning the US Open as she moved into round three of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

The Russian, who had a bye in the first round, battled her way to a 6-4 7-5 win over compatriot Elena Bychkova.

Sharapova will next face Anna Chakvetadze or Francesca Schiavone.

Earlier, Vera Zvonareva upset third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1 6-3, while fifth seed Nadia Petrova beat Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-2 6-2.

"I think it was my worst match this season," said Kuznetsova. "I just had no time to adjust to this fast surface."

I got a little bit sloppy Maria Sharapova

The Florida-based Sharapova was making only her second appearance in Moscow, and is looking to improve on last year when she lost her second match.

She was made to work hard by Bychkova, who reeled off four straight games in the second set and earned a set point.

But Sharapova called on the fighting spirit she showed in New York last month to take the last four games and secure a place in the last eight.

"I got a little bit sloppy in the middle of the second set," said Sharapova.

"I had a first-round bye and she had already played four matches. I don't think I started badly."