MOSCOW, March 22 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3 5-7 6-2 in the Pacific Life Open semi-final, ending her compatriot's 18-match winning streak.
The world number 3 defeated fifth-ranked Sharapova, the reigning Australian Open champion, in two hours and 19 minutes at the tournament in Indian Wells, California on Friday.
Kuznetsova will meet Ana Ivanovic in the final. The Serb defeated compatriot Jelena Jankovic 7-6 6-3 in the semis on Friday.
Sharapova told reporters after the match she had been impressed by her opponent's powerful performance.
"She's a very tough, tough player... I give her a lot of respect for her consistency, what she's able to do on the court, how strong she is and how many balls she gets back."
