Maria Sharapova recovered from a slow start Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Toray Pan Pacific with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over compatriot Alisa Kleybanova.
The former top-ranked Russian, who has been struggling since returning from a 10-month injury layoff, will face Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Benesova defeated Taiwan's Chang Kai-chan 7-5, 6-2.
Sharapova, 25th in the world rankings, took control of the match in the second set when she broke Kleybanova three times to open up a 5-0 lead. Kleybanova broke back in the sixth game and held before Sharapova served to win the set.