2008 Rome Open 3rd round results 

Maria Sharapova clinched the world number one spot yesterday as she cruised into the quarterfinals of the 2008 Rome Open by defeating Caroline Wozniacki 7-6, 6-4.

"It was a similar story to yesterday. I was just lucky to win that second set,” Sharapova reflected after the game. “Taking away what she was doing on her side of net, from my point of view I thought there were just a lot of physical roller coaster rides. I'd put two or three good points together and then the level sort of dropped."

The Italian crowds saw the last local player depart as Serena Williams put away Sara Errani 6-4, 6-3. "I feel very prepared," said Serena. "I've finally got enough tournaments under my belt, and I've played enough matches on the clay."

Venus Williams also booked a place in the 2008 Rome Open quarterfinals by defeating Vera Zvonareva 7-5, 6-2. The day produced a major upset as Alize Cornet defeated third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-2, 6-4.

In other third round matches Patty Schnyder defeated Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 to book a place opposite Serena Williams in the quarterfinals. Reigning champion Jelena Jankovic also progressed to the 2008 Rome Open quarterfinals by defeating Maria Kirilenko 6-1, 6-1.