Maria Sharapova secured her place in the semi-finals of the WTA Championships yesterday after she fought her way back from a set down to overpower world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova 5-7 6-2 6-2.

Sharapova, who won the prestigious end-of-season event in 2004 but whose season has been disrupted by injury, recovered from a slow start to produce some top class tennis, giving her Russian compatriot the run around at the Madrid Arena.

"She hurt me in the first set but I got hold of myself and stayed tough and positive which was really good," said Sharapova.

Sharapova's victory means that Serbia's Ana Ivanovic will join her in the semi-finals from the red group.

World number one Justin Henin has already booked her place from the yellow group.

Other result: Henin bt Bartoli 6-0 6-0. Tuesday's result: Ivanovic bt Hantuchova 6-2 7-6.

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