Maria Sharapova has eased her way into the semi-finals of the China Open following a 6-0 6-4 victory over fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Sharapova stormed out of the blocks in the first set by earning a break of serve at the first time of asking.

Kuznetsova struggled to respond and failed to come near to creating a break point as she lost all of her service games in Beijing.

After taking a one-set lead, Sharapova came close to losing her serve as her fellow countrywoman tried to force a comeback.

However, the five-time Grand Slam champion managed to save four break points before going on to hold serve in the next game.

Kuznetsova eventually found her first break of the contest, but Sharapova responded with a double break to win the match.