Sharapova sets up Halep final

Maria Sharapova recovered from a second-set wobble to dispatch third seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-4 yesterday set up a Madrid Open final clash against rising talent Simona Halep.

Sharapova showed glimpses of her best form on the clay in the Spanish capital, ahead of the French Open starting in Paris later this month. Runner-up to Serena Williams in Madrid last year, Sharapova took a step closer to a 31st career title and will have Halep in the way.

The 22-year-old Romanian fought back from a set down to oust fifth-seeded Czech Petra Kvitova 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2. Sharapova's chances of going one better than 2013 were boosted when Williams, the Madrid champion the past two years, withdrew on Friday with a thigh injury. By reaching the final, Halep has already achieved her best result at a WTA premier event as she chases an eighth career title.

- Reuters.