Sharapova Through to the Final; Dementieva and Schnyder Square-off Tonight

Defending Acura Classic champion and top seed, Maria Sharapova powered her way to a 6-3, 6-2 semifinal victory over fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze to advance to Sunday’s singles final.

Playing before a capacity crowd on Stadium Court, Sharapova converted on five of eight break point opportunities in the match which took 1 hour and 9 minutes.

In the second semifinal, which begins at 6:30 p.m., Patty Schnyder of Switzerland will play Russia’s Elena Dementieva. Schnyder eliminated Nadia Petrova, 6-2, 6-4 in Friday’s quarterfinals, while Dementieva defeated Maria Kirilenko, 6-2, 6-4.

Cara Black and Liezel Huber, the top doubles seeds, will be in action following the Schnyder / Dementieva singles semifinal. Black and Huber will play their semifinal doubles match against Yung-Jan  and Chia-Jung Chuang of Chinese Taipei.

For Saturday’s complete schedule, click here.