It was better late than never this week for Maria Sharapova who, despite being a late entry into the Internationaux de Strasbourg, went all the way to the title by beating first-time finalist Kristina Barrois.

Sharapova's power game was challenged early in the match as Barrois mixed some big forehands with topspin and slice off her beautiful one-handed backhand. But after slipping behind 5-3 in the first set Sharapova went on a roll, winning 10 of the next 11 games to claim a 7-5 6-1 victory. It was the second clay court title for Sharapova out of 22 overall, after she won her first title on the surface at Amelia Island two years ago.

Sharapova, who was the top seed, faced some tough challenges during the week. She was pushed to three sets twice, against Regina Kulikova in the first round and by fifth seed Anabel Medina Garrigues in the semi-finals. Getting through that day was quite a challenge as, because of rain on Thursday, the Russian had to finish off her quarter-final before facing Medina Garrigues.

The Strasbourg title was the second of the year for Sharapova. She also won in Memphis in February, and her victory in France means that she is the only player so far this year to win two International Series titles.

The International Series now takes a two week break as players compete at the French Open, after which competition for one of the prestigeous places up for grabs at the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions will resume on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, England.

Only the top eight-ranked players to have won a singles title on the International Series and who are not playing at the WTA Championships in Doha will be eligible to compete in the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions, which takes place at the Bali International Convention Centre, The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua from 4th to 7th November.