Tennis fever has hit Beijing with the arrival of Wimbledon Champion, Russia's Maria Sharapova, four days ahead of schedule.

After the disappointment of the early departure of the top seeds in the men's tournament, the arrival of Sharapova for the China Women's Open next week is sure to get hearts fluttering.

Fans will get their first chance to see the graceful blond on Saturday when the 17-year-old takes on China's No.1 women tennis player, Zheng Jie, in a charity match.

(CRI September 17, 2004)