Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova remains in contention for the China Open title after beating Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-2 to reach the third round.

Sharapova broke the deadlock in the fourth game of the first set to get her first break on the board, and she shortly followed that up with another to take a 5-1 lead.

However, the Russian pro was rattled in her next service game as she relinquished three set points and Svitolina eventually nabbed a break after creating six break points.

Despite battling to a break, Svitolina lost her next service game which gave Sharapova a one-set lead on the hard court.

In the second set, Svitolina was able to break back after relinquishing her serve, but Sharapova was too strong for the Ukrainian as she secured two further breaks to wrap up the set and the match.