Sharapova too strong for Ivanovic

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Plagued by injury for much of 2007, the Russian has largely had a season to forget and has played in just a dozen tournaments, winning her only title at San Diego in August.

Yet despite her problems, the former world number one now finds herself in the semi-finals of the prestigious season-ending event and just two wins away from her second title here in four years.

While Sharapova and Ivanovic entered their round-robin clash knowing they had already qualified for the the last four, there was still something to play for.

And by finishing first in the Red Group, Sharapova will now face compatriot Anna Chakvetadze in Saturday's semi-finals instead of defending champion and Yellow Group winner Justine Henin.

Ivanovic is instead saddled with the task of trying to beat the Belgian superstar, who has not lost in 23 matches and has yet to drop a set in Madrid.

Earlier on Friday, Marion Bartoli won the final match in the Yellow Group when Jelena Jankovic was forced to retire while trailing 6-1 1-0.

"I have a virus, I have been sick for a couple of days and I've had trouble breathing," said Jankovic, who was competing in her 28th event of the season.

The Serbian compiled a WTA-leading 72 wins during her busy 2007 schedule, including titles at Auckland, Charleston, Rome and Birmingham.

Bartoli was playing in place of Serena Williams, who withdrew from the event on Wednesday with a left knee injury.