The Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova has been chosen as best looking female athlete of 2006 by the prestigious Sports Illustrated magazine.

Second place went to American volleyball player Gabrielle Reece and third place to another Russian tennis player, famous Anna Kournikova(although she hasn't been competing for 4 years now).

The top 20 is almost entirely made up of Russian and American girls, including another two tennis players, Daniela Hantuchova and Anastasia Mishkina, but also athletes, skaters, surfers or swimmers.

Maria Sharapova has also recently been declared most elegant athlete by Vogue magazine.