Sharapova, Errani reach US semifinals

Third-seeded Russian Maria Sharapova and No.10 Sara Errani of Italy advanced to the semifinals Wednesday with victories in the U.S. Open. Sharapova moved on with the completion of a match begun Tuesday but suspended by rain, overcoming 11th-seeded Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The former world No. 1 was up a pair of breaks at 4-0 in the first set Tuesday when rain suspended the match. Rain also delayed Wednesday's resumption. Sharapova broke for a 5-4 lead in the final set and closed out the match on her serve in the next game. She set up her first match point with an ace and claimed the win when Bartoli was wide on a final return. Sharapova now goes on to face current world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in Thursday's semifinal. Errani, meanwhile, bested doubles partner and 20th-seeded fellow Italian Roberta Vinci 6-2, 6-4. The French Open runner-up next faces the winner of Wednesday night's matchup between American Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic of Serbia.