Maria shines in win over Mirza

Top seed Maria Sharapova earned an efficient 6-2, 6-1 victory over India's Sania Mirza here to reach the semi-finals of the 1.3 million-dollar San Diego Classic.

Sharapova, the defending champion, awaits the winner of Friday night's quarter-final clash between two in-form players - Wimbledon champion Venus Williams and Russian third seed Anna Chakvetadze.

Maria, playing her first event since a humbling loss to Williams in the Wimbledon fourth round, was pleased with her performance.

"I had a good start and was able to play my game," said the world number two, one of five Russian to reach the quarter-finals during the final edition of this tournament.

"The two keys were serve and return. Sania is a solid player so it's good to get some matches like I've won this week behind my back."

Sharapova lost serve only once, in the second set, but got it straight back on the way to victory in just 61 minutes.

"I've had three good matches, I much prefer it this way than running around for a long time in the hot sun to win," added Sharapova, who is nursing a sore shoulder. "I've got confidence, and I'm ready to step it up in my next match."