Sports

Women’s singles final
Williams     bt     Sharapova 6-0, 6-1
Third place playoff
Azarenka     bt     Kirilenko     6-3, 6-4

Men’s singles gold medal match
Today
Federer     vs    Murray  15:00 SS2

LONDON - Serena Williams of the United States thrashed Russia’s Maria Sharapova 6-0 6-1 in 63 minutes to win the women’s singles gold medal at London 2012.

Williams dropped 17 games all week and has won all of her 17 matches since losing to Virginie Razzano at the French Open on 29 May.

It was the most comprehensive Olympic women’s singles final win.

French Open champion Sharapova takes the silver medal and world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus bronze.

“I didn’t think I would be this happy,” said Williams, who plays in the doubles semi-finals with her sister Venus later on Saturday. Top seed Azarenka beat Maria Kirilenko of Russia to take bronze.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray believes his chances of winning Olympic gold are boosted as Roger Federer will be playing in his first Games singles final today.

Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, lifted his seventh Wimbledon title last month by beating Murray.

“It’s so rare for him to be in a position where he’s trying to do something new because he’s achieved so much in tennis,” said the Briton, 25. “I hope that will even things out a little bit.”

Murray overcame Novak Djokovic to reach his first Olympic final - which will take place on Sunday - while Federer, 30, beat Juan Martin del Potro.