Sharapova outwits Czech to reach Tokyo semis

Tokyo: Former world number one Maria Sharapova advanced to the semi-finals of the Pan Pacific Open by outfoxing Czech Iveta Benesova 6-4, 7-5 on Thursday.

Earlier, seventh seed Jelena Jankovic eased past France`s Marion Bartoli 6-4 6-3 to reach the last four of the $2 million (1.25 million pound) Tokyo tournament. Sharapova, 25th in the world following shoulder surgery a year ago, recovered from a slow start to keep event organisers happy after a glut of early exits by top-seeded players. "I feel like it`s almost automatic again," the three-times grand slam winner told reporters. "Figuring things out and being patient. It didn`t come easy to me at first. "The goal is to be aggressive no matter what the situation is. It`s about execution and not making errors when you have to step up and win big points." The Russian, still looking for her first title since her return from injury, rattled off four straight games to take the opening set. Sharapova`s big-match experience told again at the business end of the second when she broke her opponent`s serve at 6-5 with a ferocious backhand to close out the quarter-final. The 2005 Tokyo champion will face the winner of Thursday`s late match between 11th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Slovakia`s Magdalena Rybarikova in the semi-finals. Bureau Report