![epa06243689 Simona Halep of Romania in action against Maria Sharapova of Russia during their women's third round match of the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, China, 04 October 2017. EPA/WU HONG](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7YMY7BHLU4Y5KE6MIL7ONCSDHU.jpg?smart=true&auth=c090ad9c5ea46312ca31d26d8ebc6b4867853a7b2dfed3be139fbca5b6dc6079&width=400&height=225)
Simona Halep had never got the better of Maria Sharapova in seven previous attempts. Wu Hong / EPA
Simona Halep had never got the better of Maria Sharapova in seven previous attempts. Wu Hong / EPA
Sharapova beaten by ruthless Halep at China Open: 'Hard work is not good enough any more'
Russian still searching for first title since returning in April from 15-month suspension
Agence France Presse
04 October, 2017