Sharapova 'practises' to make merit

A day after her friendly match with Venus Williams on Saturday, the former world No 1 learned the traditional rite of giving alms to monks on the beach in Hua Hin - a good deed which should be blessing for her in the 2010 season.

Sharapova, who adjusted well to the heat here, which is similar to the atmosphere back home in Florida, was overwhelmed after the merit-making.

"I was looking forward to it. It's a new cultural experience for me. I'd been practising in my room last night to make sure that I would do it properly,'' said the 22-year-old, who leaves for Hong Kong today for another exhibition match.

For her part, Williams, after some training, was on a mission yesterday: to test her bargaining skills against local vendors. According to officials, she had learned a few Thai words from them and was looking for an indigenous meal.

Meanwhile, Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand Suwat Liptapanlop has been content with the organisation of the exhibition match and hopes to put it on the local tennis calendar every year.

"We spent around Bt20 million to organise the event and it was quite successful in terms of tourism. I plan to invite superstars for an exhibition match in major tourist cities every year,'' said Suwat.