Sharapova solves problems to reach last four

Top seed Maria Sharapova was in less than sparkling form as she ousted fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze in straight sets in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open today.

In an error-strewn match that lasted two hours and 13 minutes, the 19-year-old made 41 unforced errors and had her serve broken four times before eventually prevailing 7-6 (7-5) 7-5.