Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia defeated American Mashona Washington in straight sets to retain her Japan Open tennis title Saturday in Tokyo.

The 17-year-old, who won her first WTA singles and doubles titles a year ago in Tokyo, defended her title with an easy 6-0, 6-1 victory over the American.

"I am so happy that I could defend my title in Tokyo. I played some really great tennis this week. I really showed my fans that I am the Wimbledon champion. It's just a great feeling to win here,"said Sharapova.

From a 2-1 win-loss record against Washington, including the latest loss at New Haven in August, Sharapova showed the gulf between world number 10 and 61 in the final as she dropped only one point on her serve in the first set and Washington only managed one winner with an ace on her serve.

Leading 4-0 in the second set, Sharapova hit two double faults, saved one break point in the fifth game before taking a commanding 5-0 lead.

"When I played her before, she (Washington) was serving a lot better and the court was a lot slower, so a lot of points were longer. Physically I was prepared for that," said Sharapova.

"It's not my normal agressive game today, because she was playing so well. She has a solid all-round game but no 'Oh God' shots. It was my first final, so I'm not disappointed," said Washington.

It was Sharapova's second straight victory in two weeks, following her debut win in Seoul, and sixth title overall.