By Kim Douglass

(December 29, 2010) Causing a quiet stir, Maria Sharapova arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday, Dec.28, for the ASB Classic.


The 23-year-old star arrived at the Auckland International Airport in New Zealand at 8:40am. Dressed in a camouflage green top, black jacket, and dark gray trousers with complimenting a grey scarf, the world's highest-paid female athlete was welcomed by tournament director Richard Palmer and walked straight to her waiting car saying nothing to reporters along the way.


The former world No. 1, entered the country in time for heavy rainfall, forcing the cancellation of she and other players scheduled hits at the newly refurbished ASB tennis center.


Also missing out their chance to hit yesterday was New Zealand's Marina Erakovic. The appearance of the World Ranked No. 466 player has been under a shroud of doubt since facing a wrist injury in October. However, Erakovic confirmed that she will be taking a wildcard and playing at the tournament, starting Jan.1-2, along with fellow New Zealander Sacha Jones.


Sharapova leads a field of 15 players arriving in Auckland on Tuesday, including fellow Russians Svetlana Kuznetsova and former world No. 1 Dinara Safina. Tournament spokesman Dave Worsley said Sharapova's presence at the tournament has significantly increased ticket sales compared with past years.


"At this stage the ASB Classic is not quite a sell-out but it looks like it will be on most, if not all, of the sessions."

Sharapova will find out who she will face in the first-round when the draw is made on Saturday, the main draw will be held Jan.3-5.


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