ZURICH, Switzerland, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Third-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova was pushed to a third set Friday before advancing to the semifinals of the $1.34 million Zurich Open in Switzerland.
Kuznetsova, from Russia, ousted Switzerland's Martina Hingis, the tournament's fifth seed, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 in Friday's quarterfinals and moved into a Saturday match with Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova. She was moved into the semifinal when world No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo withdrew from the tournament because of a shoulder injury.
Russia's Maria Sharapova earned her 10th semifinal berth in 13 tournaments this year by beating Swiss qualifier Timea Bacsinszky 6-4, 6-3. The No. 2-seeded Sharapova will meet Slovenia's Katarina Srebotnik, who eliminated Russia's Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-2.
Saturday's semifinal winners move to the title match Sunday. The Zurich Open champion earns $196,900.
