Venus powers to Hong Kong victory

Williams shrugged off worries about a hamstring injury

Venus Williams sent out a warning to her rivals ahead of the Australian Open by beating Maria Sharapova in straight sets in the JB Group Classic final.

The Wimbledon champion took just 80 minutes to beat the world number four 6-4 6-3 in the Hong Kong tournament.

The first nine games went with serve before Sharapova's backhand into the net gave Williams a crucial advantage.

The Russian saved two match points at 5-2 in the second set before Williams held her serve to love to earn victory.

Williams had said she was suffering from a hamstring injury after Friday's semi-final win over Elena Dementieva, but showed little ill-effect.

"Obviously, she is a very good opponent, so I definitely had to bring my best game," said Williams afterwards.

606: DEBATE How will Venus Williams do in the Australian Open?

"So it is very exciting, especially going into the Australian Open, playing so well against someone of her calibre.

"I knew I was playing well in practice, but a match is different. To have that competition makes a huge difference."

The four-day Hong Kong invitational tournament featured five of the world's top 10 players and is used as a warm up for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open in Melbourne starting on 14 January.