Maria Sharapova battled through a thigh problem to reach the semi-finals of the DFS Classic in Birmingham with a 7-5 2-6 6-1 win over Eleni Daniilidou. The Russian edged a tight opener but called for a time-out early in the second to receive treatment on her leg.
Sharapova returned to the court only to surrender four of the next five games and hand her Greek rival the set.
But the Wimbledon champion stepped up a gear in the decider, taking the set in 26 minutes to wrap up the match.
Sharapova now faces French teenager Tatiana Golovin for a place in the final. Golovin edged out Russian Anna Chakvetadze 6-4 7-6.
Unseeded American Laura Granville also advanced, downing Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-4 6-3.
While Serbia's Jelena Jankovic took the final semi-final spot with a 6-2 6-4 win over American Mashona Washington.
MMIX
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