Kuznetsova races past Petrova

Fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova was in ruthless mood as she disposed of fellow Russian Nadia Petrova for the loss of only three games in the third round of the French Open.

Kuznetsova, the runner-up at Roland Garros in 2006, clinched an emphatic 6-2 6-1 victory over the 25th seed on Philippe Chatrier court.

With top seed Maria Sharapova struggling for form so far in Paris, 2004 US Open winner Kuznetsova is arguably the favourite to progress to the final from her half of the draw.

She next plays Victoria Azarenka, the 16th seed from Belarus who thrashed Francesca Schiavone 6-1 6-1 on Suzanne Lenglen court.