Sharapova into semis; Mirza advances on Day 5 in Birmingham

Maria Sharapova advanced to her first semifinal since her return from a shoulder injury, after defeating Yanina Wickmayer in three sets, while No. 16 seed Melinda Czink crashed out of Birmingham after losing in straight sets to Sania Mirza.

Sharapova ousted Wickmayer after easily winning the first set, then losing the second, and winning the third, finishing the match with a score of 61 26 63.

Mirza, who is unseeded, fought a tough second set to win to the lowest seed left before the semifinals, with a score of 61 76(4).

Li Na, who is the highest seed remaining at No. 4, had an easy time against Stefanie Voegele, 63 76(3).

Friday, June 12, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(4) Li Na (CHN) d. Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 63 76(3)

(13) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Urszula Radwanska (POL) 63 63

Sania Mirza (IND) d. (16) Melinda Czink (HUN) 61 76(4)

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 61 26 63