Li leads the way

Na Li became the first women into the Pacific Life Open semi-finals in Indian Wells after a straight-sets victory over Vera Zvonareva.

After digging deep in her impressive win over top seed Maria Sharapova the previous day, 15th seed Zvonareva could not find the same depths of resilience against her Chinese opponent as Li prevailed 6-4 7-5.

Li will face Daniela Hantuchova in the last four after the 14th seed won an epic encounter with Israel's Shahar Peer 6-2 5-7 7-6 (7/5).

"I guess the more time I spend on the court, the better for me," said Hantuchova.

"I always feel like I've got the physical advantage with the players, that I can last a little longer maybe than they can, and that gives me a lot of confidence."

Looking ahead to the semi-finals, she added: "It's going be a great match.

"Li's a great player, great fighter, so it's going to be a very, very difficult match. But I'm looking forward to it and I'm going to give it my best."