Sharapova and Venus Williams in Miami semi

MIAMI, March 29 (UPI) -- Russian Maria Sharapova defeated Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne on Tuesday to reach the semifinals at the $3.06 million NASDAQ-100 Open.

Sharapova will face Venus Williams in the round of four after the American ousted her sister and three-time defending champion Serena 6-1, 7-6 (10-8), in another quarterfinal encounter.

Sharapova, reigning Wimbledon and WTA Championships champion, took 2 hours, 17 minutes to beat former world No. 1 Henin-Hardenne 6-1, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2.