**Maria Sharapova was sent crashing out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle, losing 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-4 to fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko.**The 2008 champion, who missed last year’s tournament through injury, paid the price for an erratic display.
Sharapova made 76 unforced errors and struggled on serve as the world number 58 won in three hours and 20 minutes.
Second seed Dinara Safina, last year’s runner-up, also had problems before beating Magdalena Rybarikova 6-4 6-4.
Safina hit nine double faults and made 39 unforced errors before eventually overcoming her opponent, who is ranked 47th in the world.
Safina will play either qualifier Regina Kulikova or Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic in her next match.
But, for Sharapova, it is back to the drawing board after an error-strewn performance in her first match of 2010.
Kirilenko grew in confidence once it became clear that her childhood friend is still struggling with her serve and mobility around the court following the difficulties with her shoulder which have haunted her in recent months.
At times only Sharapova’s trademark tenacity prolonged the match, which was played under the roof at the Rod Laver Arena because of the wet weather in Melbourne.
Some wayward shots cost the 14th seed the first set tie-break and, although Sharapova improved to take the second set, she never appeared to have the momentum or the form required for victory.
Kirilenko took the initiative in the decider with an early break and, after fluffing her lines when she served for the match at 5-3, immediately made the most of another poor service game by Sharapova to complete her victory.
Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin and Svetlana Kuznetsova are also in action in the women’s singles on Monday.
Clijsters faces Valerie Tetreault of Canada, Henin is up against fellow Belgian Kirsten Flipkens and Kuznetsova takes on Australia’s Anastasia Rodionova.