SHENZHEN, China, Jan 1: Maria Sharapova and top-ranked Simona Halep have opened their 2018 seasons with straight sets wins at the Shenzhen Open.
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Sharapova finished off a 6-3, 6-0 win over Mihaela Buzarnescu with a powerful forehand winner, and Halep started her bid for a second Shenzhen title with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Nicole Gibbs.
"It's my first victory this year as No. 1 in the world, so I'm just happy and enjoying the time," said 2015 champion Halep, who will play China's Duan Yingying in the next round.
