Sharapova pulls out of Hong Kong

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will not play in an exhibition tournament in Hong Kong next week.

The Russian has pulled out because she is still trying to recover from a shoulder injury.

Organisers of the event say she took to the court two weeks ago, but has not reached full fitness yet.

Time is running out for the three time grand slam winner with only three weeks before the Australian Open.

Sharapova says she doesn't feel ready.

"I'm just not ready to play against the top class competition in Hong Kong, although I remain hopeful for Australia where I'm the defending champion."

It's been about five months since Sharapova played competitive tennis.

She pulled out of the Rogers Cup in Canada at the end of July.

Medical tests revealed that the 21 year old had torn a tendon in her shoulder.

The break ended her run of participating in 23 consecutive ! grand slams.

Another Russian will take Sharapova's place at the Hong Kong event - Anna Chakvetadze.


Other participants include current world number one Jelena Jankovic, Venus Williams and China's Zheng Zie.

The competition runs from 7-10 January 2009.