What ban? Fans in thrall to 'goddess'

Russian star Sharapova remains a crowd favorite despite suspension

One fellow player labeled her "a cheater" and she is said to be unpopular in the locker room, but Maria Sharapova remains a crowd favorite in China despite her doping ban.

"Welcome back goddess," said one banner at the China Open in Beijing this week, while a Russian flag had the words: "I got your back Maria."