Orgy of chocolate awaits sweet-tooth Sharapova in Singapore

The Russian former number one is facing compatriot Anna Chakvetadze on Sunday night as a first preparation for the Australian Open starting January 14.

 Sharapova is expected to be greeted by a full array of chocolate products when she reaches her five-star riverside hotel suite in this prosperous city-state.

 With no-nonsense father Yuri not making the New Year's trip, the 20-year-old double Grand Slam champion now has the chance to break her strict training regime - at least for a day or two.

 "The moment she knew her dad was not coming along, she told us she wanted chocolate," Kipple Chan, from Hong Kong-based organisers Entertainment Group Limited, told local media.

 "She's always had a sweet tooth so we're arranging a special chocolate buffet for her."

   Sharapova will be accompanied for the Sunday night exhibition earner by American hitting partner Michael Joyce. She flies out of Singapore on New Year's eve.