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Mauresmo advances to Qatar Open semifinals
Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo defeated Maria Kirilenko of Russia 6-2, 6-2 Thursday to move into the semifinals at the Qatar Open.
Mauresmo, winner of 10 of 12 matches this year, is aiming for her third consecutive final. She lost in Paris at the Open Gaz de France before beating Venus Williams at the Diamond Games in Antwerp, Belgium, on Sunday.
"I am very happy that I am playing well here in Doha," she said. "I hope I can do as well in the semifinal. I am playing good tennis right now."
Second-seeded Sharapova beat Marion Bartoli of France 6-3, 6-2 to reach her third semifinals in as many events this year.
Sharapova's second easy win confirmed she was over the bronchitis that forced her to skip the Open Gaz de France.
"I was able to get a lot of balls in today," Sharapova said. "My shotmaking was pretty OK and I was fairly consistent with my returns. I was a bit slow at the start, but I recovered well by serving strongly (after the third game). I came up with the goods when I had to."
Molik survived a scare before defeating Francesca Schiavone of Italy, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (1), and Hantuchova downed Spanish veteran Conchita Martinez 6-4, 6-1 in a rain-interrupted quarterfinal.
Hantuchova broke 1994 Wimbledon champion Martinez three times in each set of a match that was halted in the first set by a two-hour rain delay. Martinez had ousted two-time defending champion Anastasia Myskina the previous day, but was overwhelmed by Hantuchova, who reached her first WTA Tour semifinals since June.
"It's been a good start for me this season. I worked very hard in the offseason," said Hantuchova, ranked 28. "My confidence is back. I am looking forward to playing Maria. I know it'll be a tough match, but I am ready for it."
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