Top seed Maria Sharapova defeated Bulgarian qualifier Dia Evtimova 6-3, 6-0 to reach the quarterfinals of the Strasbourg International on Wednesday.

Sharapova next faces Julia Goerges of Germany, who overcame sixth-seeded Sybille Bammer of Austria 6-1, 7-6 (6).

The Russian ace was given a wild-card entry after two months out with a right elbow injury and didn't face a single break point to claim her second victory on clay this year.

Vania King of the United States, a doubles specialist who won her sole singles title in Bangkok in 2006, broke local hope Alize Cornet five times and won 6-3, 6-2.

King, who upset second-seeded Elena Vesnina of Russia in the first round, will take on Anastasia Rodionova of Australia, who went through after Elena Baltacha of Britain retired with a lower back injury while leading 2-1 in the first set.

The French Open starts on Sunday in Paris.

Three-time tournament winner Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain also advanced, after Lucie Hradecka retired trailing 4-6, 0-3 with a left wrist injury.

Kristina Barrois of Germany defeated Yvonne Meusburger of Austria 7-5, 6-3.