Hingis has never played Sharapova before

The match will be Hingis' second semi-final since returning from retirement and follows her impressive display at the Australia Open.

Sharapova, the defending champion, beat Australia's Samantha Stosur 6-1 6-4 in the earlier quarter-final.

"I've never played her before so I'm really excited," said Sharapova.

"I'll try to attack her serve because I think that's one of her weaknesses. She reads the game so well so I'll try not to give her the time she needs."

Hingis, who won the Pan Pacific Open title in 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002, was unranked three weeks ago but rose to 117th after her remarkable return to the sport.

"I've got nothing to lose," said Hingis.

"I always said when I came back I wanted to play Sharapova and that day has come.

"If I play as well as I did against Kirilenko, I will definitely have a chance."

In the remaining quarter-finals, second seed Elena Dementieva faces fifth seed Nicole Vaidisova while Anastasia Myskina meets fellow Elena Likhovtseva.