Sharapova remains percfect in '08

Maria defeated #5 seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 7-6 6-1 to reach the semi-final of Indian Wells under the lights tonight.

The match started off well for Maria as she broke Hantuchova's serve in the first game. However, Maria struggled with her serve throughout the set, especially with her second serve and was unable to hold until the 8th game.

Maria's aggressive return game allowed her to stay alive. In the 8th game, although she faced break points, Maria was able to hold and break Hantuchova in the next game.

Maria had to save a set point in the next game but she was able to hold to level the set 5-5. Then both players held and the set had to be decided by a tiebreak, that Maria won comfortably.

The second set was different. Maria served a lot better and quickly jumped to a 3-0 lead. Hantuchova held in the next game but Maria won the next 3 games to take the match.

In the semifinals, Maria will face fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova. Maria leads the head to head against Kuznetsova 4-3. The last time they played was at the WTA Championships in 2007 and Maria won in 3 sets.