Sharapova progresses to final

Maria Sharapova broke her semi-final jinx to set up a clash with Justine Henin-Hardenne by putting out world number one Amelie Mauresmo at the US Open.

Since making her surprising run to the Wimbledon title in 2004, the 19-year-old Russian had reached the last four of a grand slam event five times, but lost them all.

But that run was ended at Flushing Meadows’ Arthur Ashe Stadium as the hard-hitting third seed stormed into the women’s singles final with a 6-0 4-6 6-0 win over France’s reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion.

Sharapova will next play second seed Belgian Henin-Hardenne, who reached her fourth grand slam final of the year by coming from behind to beat 19th seed Jelena Jankovic of Croatia.

Having been below par in beating Tatiana Golovin in the quarter-finals, Sharapova raced to a one-set lead after three breaks of serve against a tight and tentative Mauresmo.

But the Frenchwoman started the second set in a more positive mood and was buoyed by winning the first game on serve and saving a break point in the third game.

Play continued on serve until Sharapova served at 4-5 down and handed her opponent her first break points of the match.

Mauresmo had double set point, but was denied by a net cord that fell in her own side of the court and then was let down by a loose forehand that went long.

At deuce Sharapova committed the same error and Mauresmo had another set point, one she took full advantage of to level the match.

Sharapova’s resolve has never been in doubt and her fighting spirit showed again at a crucial time.

The Russian once again regrouped and won two quick breaks to resume control at 3-0.

Once again, the match had been turned on its head and this time there was no way back for the dejected Mauresmo.