Maria Sharapova reaches semis in Madrid

Maria Sharapova advanced to the semifinals of the WTA Championships with a 5-7 6-2 6-2 victory over world No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova on Thursday.

Maria Sharapova's victory also assured fourth-seeded Serbian Anna Ivanovic (2-0) a spot in the round of four, and the pair will play Friday to decide first place in the Red Group. "I'm happy I didn't stay home," said Sharapova, who has missed time this season with bursitis in her shoulder. "No matter how I do the rest of the way, I'm glad I got to get some more matches in before the end of the year." "She hurt me in the first set but I got hold of myself and stayed tough and positive which was really good," said Maria Sharapova. "I'm really happy I didn't just stay home and quit and not come out here. I'm good, this is really good for me. This will only make me physically stronger."