In the US Open today the Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova started on a winning note as she defeated Simona Halep of Romania. She beat her opponent by 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in an opening-round clash that lasted two hours and 44 minutes. In the second round, she will face Hungary's Timea Babos.The five-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the recently-concluded Cincinnati Masters with a left forearm injury. ALSO READ: Eden Park to host first day-night Test in New Zealand Vice President Naidu launches National Sports Talent Search Portal Really upsetting to lose World Championship final Said, PV Sindhu