Maria scorches into fourth round as Open heats up

Maria Sharapova led a Russian charge in the women's draw at the Australian Open on Friday as scorching temperatures turned the first grand slam of the year into a survival of the fittest.

Sharapova kept her cool as the mercury soared to 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), forcing tournament organisers to invoke the extreme heat rule and close the roof on the two main stadiums and suspend play on the outside courts for two hours.

Sharapova cruised to a 6-0 6-1 win over Croatia's Jelena Kostanic to set up a possible clash with defending champion Serena Williams, who was due to meet Daniela Hantuchova in the feature night match.

The Russian had few problems beating Kostanic, a former Australian Open junior champion, but said the heat made it a tough day for everyone with the players draping themselves in ice bags at the change of ends.

"I wouldn't say that was really easy," Sharapova said.

"Mentally it was pretty tough when you know you've got a very patient opponent and you know that it's really hot out there."

Maria will have to wait to know her next round opponent, who will be decided in the match between Serena Williams and Daniela Hantuchova who are currently playing.