Injured Sharapova out of Korea exhibition

PARIS (AFP) – Maria Sharapova has suffered a pre-season injury scare with a neck injury forcing the world number two to withdraw from a planned exhibition match in South Korea against Caroline Wozniacki.

The Russian star had been due to face the Dane on Friday in Seoul but she wrote on her Facebook page that she has been ordered to rest before heading for Australia where she is due to start her season in Brisbane next week.

“For everyone in Korea, I’m sorry I had to withdraw from my exhibition match. I woke up the other day with a neck pain and after doing a few tests, the doctor wants me to take the next few days without any playing,” the French Open champion wrote.

“So that leaves me to say I’m sorry not to be there in Seoul and play in front of my fans. I will make it up to you soon.”