ROME (AFP) - Russia's Maria Sharapova advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA Rome International on Friday after staving off a stiff challenge from veteran Patty Schnyder of Switzerland, 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 6-2.

The 21-year-old second seed, who will next week reclaim the world number one ranking following Justine Henin's retirement, moved into high gear to overcome a flagging Schnyder in the third set.

A match of breathtaking power also produced some of the most daring gambles, especially in the run-up to the first-set tiebreaker, when both players came up with daring drop shots.

Sharapova will meet fourth-seeded Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the semi-finals, while 18-year-old French sensation Alize Cornet will face Anna Chakvetadze of Russia, seeded sixth.

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