Former world number one Maria Sharapova made a successful comeback to women's singles with a hard fought 6-1, 6-7(6), 6-3 victory over Italian Tathiana Garbin in the first round of the Warsaw Open on Monday.

Sharapova had not played singles since last August because of a long-time shoulder injury although she made a brief return to competition in

the doubles at Indian Wells in March, losing in the first round.

The Russian started strongly, taking opening set at 6-1 and leading 4-0 in the second, but the gritty Italian came back strong to steal the tiebreak at 8-6.

Garbin was still in control of her game at the start of the decider, breaking again to take a 3-1

lead. Sharapova finally cooled down to take the match at 6-3.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2009)