Switzerland's Patty Schnyder beat top seed Maria Sharapova to reach the final of the Rome Masters and stop the Russian becoming world number one. Top seed Sharapova was aiming to replace Lindsay Davenport at the head of the rankings but struggled with her rhythm as she went down 3-6 6-3 6-1.
Schnyder now faces defending champion Amelie Mauresmo who beat sixth seed Vera Zvonareva 6-2 6-4.
France's Mauresmo has reached five of the last six finals in Rome.
Sharapova shrugged off the loss, preferring to look ahead to the French Open.
 |  I was too anxious to end the point. It's my instinct |
"No, I'm not disappointed," she said.
"I've had a pretty good preparation for Paris and I'd rather play well at a Grand Slam.
"I just have to be more patient and willing to hit an extra ball.
"In the third set, especially, I was too anxious to end the point. It's my instinct.
"I'll just go away and work hard next week and try and improve on the things I've learnt here."
MMIX
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