Sharapova advances to semis in Tokyo on Day 5

No. 7 seed Jelena Jankovic became the last top 10 seed to survive on Thursday, as No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka went crashing out, while Maria Sharapova got past Iveta Benesova in tough straight sets to get to the semis in Tokyo.

Jankovic broke a four-match losing streak against against No. 14 seed Marion Bartoli to advance, winning the match with a score of 64 63.

Jankovic will next face No. 15 seed Li Na, who fought to get past Azarenka with a tough score of 76(7) 46 76(4), despite Azarenka being up 5-1 in the first set.

Sharapova beat Benesova with a score of 75 64 to get to the semis, and she will face No. 11 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat Magdalena Rybarikova 63 61, for a spot in the final.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(7) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (14) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 64 63

(15) Li Na (CHN) d. (8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 76(7) 46 76(4)

(11) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 63 61

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 64 75