Sharapova beats Li to win Rome title

Russia's Maria Sharapova returns the ball to China's Na Li at the Italian Open tennis finals, in Rome, Sunday, May 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

ROME – Maria Sharapova defeated China’s French Open champion Li Na 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday to win the Rome International in a rain-hit final.

Russian second seed Sharapova defended the title she won last year.

It was the 26th trophy of her career after a final in which she trailed 6-4, 4-0 at one stage.

The final was also interrupted by rain for more than than two and a half hours.

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Tags: rome international , Sports , Tennis