Sharapova, Kvitova storm into Italian Open quarters

World number three Maria Sharapova cruised into the quarterfinal round of the Italian Open after brushing aside her Serbian opponent Bojana Jovanovski in straight sets in Rome.

The Russian produced a dominant performance as she overcame Jovanovski 6-3, 6-3 to step closer to reclaiming the title she won in 2011 and 2012.

Czech Petra Kvitova, meanwhile, trounced Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-2 while Simona Halep of Romania overcame Venus Williams 6-2 6-1, the BBC reported.

Defending champion Serena Williams pulled out of the tournament on Thursday with an elbow injury shortly before facing Christina McHale.