Sharapova to play in Los Angeles semis

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Maria Sharapova fought off Urszula Radwanska Friday to reach the semifinals of the Los Angeles Women's Open.

Sharapova will try to earn her first trip to a tournament final when she meets either Flavia Pennetta or Vera Zvonareva in Saturday's semifinal.

Samantha Stosur continued her recent outstanding play by getting past Jie Zheng 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Stosur defeated Serena Williams last week at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford.

Stosur's semifinal opponent will be Sorana Cirstea, who defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 7-5.