Maria Sharapova's perfect start to the year came to a shuddering halt when she lost 6-3 5-7 6-2 to fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Pacific Life Open semi-finals yesterday.

Australian Open champion Sharapova, who had won her first 18 matches of the season, was outplayed in a fluctuating match lasting two hours, 19 minutes.

Kuznetsova will face top-seeded Ana Ivanovic in tomorrow's final, the Serb having beaten compatriot Jelena Jankovic 7-6 6-3 later yesterday.

"There were a couple of important points that could have changed the match and she ended up winning them," Sharapova, 20, told reporters. "I think from that she gained confidence and kind of steamrolled after that in the third set.

"She's a very tough, tough player. She's not No. 2 or 3 in the world for nothing. I give her a lot of respect for her consistency, what she's able to do on the court, how strong she is and how many balls she gets back."

World number three Kuznetsova, who lost to Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova in last year's final at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, was delighted to beat Sharapova for the first time since Miami in 2006.

"It feels great," the 22-year-old said. "I don't think Maria played like always she can play. Neither did I. But I think it was a very good, interesting third set.

"The first set was so-so; the second better and in the third we both got our game. It was a good match and I feel great winning."

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