Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova will challenge World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki for a place in the final of the Indian Wells Masters.
Sharapova, who already triumphed at the tournament back in 2006, outplayed Peng Shuai of China in three sets in the quarterfinals.
The Russian cruised to a confident 6-2 in the opener, but committed seven double-faults in the second set, allowing her rival to level matters, 5-7.
Sharapova then broke Peng at the start of the decider to collect a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 victory.
“I turned it on for the first set and a half and then my level definitely dropped. She took advantage of that and it was important for me to stay tough. I knew the match wasn’t over until the last point,” the Russian said.
She’ll next face Caroline Wozniacki, with the Dane progressing to the semis without a fight.
Her opponent Victoria Azarenka retired with a hip injury early in the first set.