20 Aug 2011

Sharapova looking good in Cincinnati

2:21 pm on 20 August 2011

Maria Sharapova has marched into the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open after crushing Australian Samantha Stosur 6-3 6-2 to set up a last four meeting with fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva.

Sharapova dominated from the start of the 72-minute match against world number 10 Stosur, who lost in last week's Toronto Cup final to Serena Williams.

The Russian, who advanced to her sixth semi-final in 12 tournaments this year, is now projected to return to the top five when the new rankings are released next week.

Meanwhile China's Peng Shuai pulled out shortly before she was due to face Serbia's Jelena Jankovic in their quarter-final match.

A statement from tournament organisers said Peng withdrew because of a left hip injury, giving Jankovic a walkover into the semi-final against German Andrea Petkovic.