Sharapova hopes to be fit for Australian title def

[Sadaf Gondal]

LOS ANGELES: Maria Sharapova says she hopes to be fit to defend her title at the Australian Open in January, despite pulling out of an exhibition event in Hong Kong next month.

In a statement posted on her website, Sharapova said she regretted pulling out of the JB Group Classic team tennis tournament, scheduled for January 7-10 in Hong Kong.

Sharapova launched her 2008 season in style with a triumph at the Australian Open.

But the 21-year-old was hindered by a right shoulder injury much of the year. She skipped the Beijing Olympics, the US Open before having arthroscopic surgery in October.

The Australian Open, first Grand Slam of the season, starts in Melbourne on January 19.

The Hong Kong event has a new format this year, featuring four teams - Europe, Russia, Team Americas and Asia Pacific.

Top players slated to appear include world number one Jelena Jankovic and Wimbledon champion Venus Williams.

[LoViNg IrFaN]

kafi arse se out of action thi nan

[Ali Shah]

kIA CHEEZ HAI YEY............UFFFFFFFF...........!

[LoViNg IrFaN]