Former world number one Maria Sharapova has suffered her second defeat at the WTA Championships after losing in straight sets to Li Na this evening.
The 24-year-old put up a stern challenge during the opening set, although French Open champion Na eventually prospered 7-4 on a tie-break.
The second set would prove to be more straightforward for Na, breaking Russian-born Sharapova on two occasions to record a 7-6 6-4 victory in Istanbul.
Yesterday Sharapova was defeated by US Open champion Sam Stosur.
Sharapova can no longer qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament as a result of today's loss.
