Fourth-seeded Belarusian Olga Govortsova got past Darya Kustova, 63 26 62, to match her best result here, a semifinal showing in 2007. Govortsova is now 3-0 in the career series with her countrywoman, though she did drop a set for the first time on Friday.

"I’ve known Darya since the age of 6. We’ve played a lot together and we’ve represented Belarus in the Olympics together. I know how tough she is and I knew I had to give my all to win the match today," said Govortsova, who is playing this event for the fifth time. "This is one of my favorite tournaments. Playing here is like playing at home."

Govortsova, who previously lost in quarterfinals in Brisbane, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Palermo and Istanbul this year, will take on Shahar Peer in her first Tour singles semifinal of 2009. Peer defeated qualifier Alexandra Panova, 64 64, and in addition to taking the title last week in Guangzhou, is the only semifinalist who has not lost a set this week.

"I’ve played Shahar three times and won every time. I know her game, but she’s playing well," Govortsova said. "I know they present the national dress of Uzbekistan to the winner here and I’ve always wanted it. This year is no different, and I’ll go all out for sure."

On the top half of the draw, No.1 seed Yaroslava Shvedova saved two match points down 5-4 in the second set en route to a 67(3) 75 62 defeat of No.6 seed Monica Niculescu. The all-time series between the two, which includes a victory here last year for Niculescu and a win at Wimbledon this year for Shvedova, is now tied, 2-2.

"After all my experience on the Tour, I’ve learnt the match is not over until the umpire says it’s game, set and match. Monica is a very difficult competitor. Her unorthodox style makes it difficult, and I’m happy to have gotten through and ended the match positively," Shvedova said. "Monica and I are great friends - we had breakfast together this morning. I’m sorry to have spoilt her day after she played so well and came close to beating me. But it’s sport, and these things happen."

In the semifinals, her second of 2009, Shvedova will take on Tashkent native Akgul Amanmuradova, a 61 64 winner over fifth-seeded Stefanie Voegele. Amanmuradova, whose 2007 runner-up showing here is her best-ever singles result on Tour, will be playing in her first Tour final four of the year.