Rising star reaches first semifinal

INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 19 (UPI) -- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova reached the peak of her fledgling career Thursday, earning a semifinal berth in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Calif.

The 17-year-old Russian, ranked 42nd in the world, defeated No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (10-8), 6-4. It will be the first WTA semifinal appearance for Pavlyuchenkova, who will take on defending champion Ana Ivanovic, with a berth in the title match on the line.

Ivanovic had been scheduled to meet Sybille Bammer in the quarterfinals Thursday, but Bammer withdrew citing an injury to her left shoulder.

"I am very disappointed that I am not able to play this quarterfinal match," Bammer said. "Unfortunately, my shoulder injury is making it impossible for me to play."

It will be the first meeting between Ivanovic and Pavlyuchenkova.

The other semifinal will send Vera Zvonareva against Victoria Azarenka, who has a 17-1 match record this season. Zvonareva is unbeaten in three matches with Azarenka.