Sharapova wins Russian roulette of a semifinal

Maria Sharapova turned her French Open semifinal into a game of Russian roulette, firing winners and ugly shots with equal measure as the champion bludgeoned her way past third seed Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 on Thursday.

The Russian, who next meets world No 1 Serena Williams, served 12 aces and 11 double faults in a see-saw encounter against the Belarussian.

Second seed Sharapova raced through the opening set in less than half an hour, spraying Court Philippe Chatrier with forehand winners.