Maria Sharapova in Manila

My girlfriend and I was channel-hopping late last night when we chanced upon a tennis match coverage of Channel 23 that featured Maria Sharapova here in Manila.

I thought the venue was somewhere out of the country but to my amazement, it was at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City. At least to me, the camera angle made the tennis court seemed like at some other stadiums abroad.

Anyway, Maria Sharapova was great in TV. And the fans at the venue were treated with a come-from-behind 1 set win over Kristina (I forgot the surname) 6-5.

It was only an exhibition match made more interesting by a shot clock for serving and the annoying buzzer signifying nearing the time limit or its expiration.

Maria Sharapova's acknowledgement of the warm welcome she, and the rest of the players who were part of the exhibition, received sound sincere. And I felt that the gesture will surely endear her more to Filipinos.

The exhibition tennis match is part of the International Premier Tennis League (ITPL) . I learned more about ITPL via Sports5.ph

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Maria Sharapova Highest Paid Female Athlete

Tennis princess Maria Sharapova is the highest paid female athlete from June of 2009 to June of 2010, earning $24.5 million. Endorsements for blue-chip brands and appearance fees made the bulk of her earnings as she earned (only) $1 million in tournament prize money.

This year is a better year for Sharapova after being hit by a spate of injuries in previous years. And she can end her year in grand style if she wins the upcoming US Open Tennis Championships.

Without a doubt, Sharapova is a looker and really can draw out large audience. But I really prefer seeing her in her ads rather than in action. Her grunts is not good for my ears so I usually mute the TV if she's playing.

World no. 1, Serena Williams is only at number 2 with $20.2 million earnings but she is the all-time leader in career prize money with $32.7 million dollars. Serena and her sister Venus are minority owners of the NFL team, Miami Dolphins.

Photo credits here.

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