Sharapova yet to fire on all cylinders

Maria Sharapova admitted she is still some way from her best despite a comfortable straight-sets victory over Natalie Dechy in the third round of the Pacific Life Open at Indian Wells.

The top seed overcame her French opponent 7-5 6-2 in baking temperatures to set up a fourth-round clash with 15th seed and compatriot Vera Zvonareva.

Sharapova, who has only just returned to action after overcoming a hamstring injury, said: "You know you've worked hard and you know you're ready to play, but you can't really expect amazing things from your game. When you don't compete for that amount of time, it's normal."

Zvonareva defeated qualifier Victoria Azarenka from Belarus 6-3 6-3, while seventh seed Jelena Jankovic also cruised into the fourth round with a 6-2 6-4 win over German Martina Muller.

The Serb will face Chinese player Na Li after the 12th seed saw off Russian Alona Bondarenko 5-7 6-3 6-2.

Daniela Hantuchova, the 14th seed, also made it through with a 6-2 7-6 (7/3) win over Francesca Schiavone from Italy, while Shahar Peer overcame Lucie Safarova 6-3 1-6 6-4.