Semifinals Set, Davenport Clinches No. 1 at WTA Champs

A loss was still a win Thursday for Lindsay Davenport, who along with opponent Maria Sharapova advanced into the semifinals from round robin play when the Russian teen outlasted her 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 at the WTA Championships in L.A.

"I played smart tennis," said Sharapova, who after match point dropped her racquet, raised her arms and appeared to think about doing a victory lap. "I took out her strengths. It was exciting to beat someone who's been playing such amazing tennis. I'm very, very happy about it."

Davenport meanwhile shook the umpire's hand and was packing her bag for an exit when Sharapova finally caught up with her for a handshake that was less than warm.

"I wasn't mad," Davenport said. "She is a little dramatic when she wins and it takes her a while to get to the net."

Davenport finishes the round robin with a 2-1 record, while Sharapova still has a match left at 2-0. Also in Green Group action Thursday, Patty Schnyder defeated Nadia Petrova 6-0, 5-7, 6-4, with both players eliminated from semifinal contention.

Depending on how the draw settles after Friday's matches, Davenport and Sharapova could face each other again in the final.

In Black Group play Amelie Mauresmo clinched a semifinal spot for herself and French countrywoman Mary Pierce with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Elena Dementieva.

"I'm feeling very consistent out there on the court," Mauresmo said. "So it's a good satisfaction for me. I played well in Philadelphia last week -- it gave me confidence."

The result means Kim Clijsters and Dementieva are eliminated from semifinal contention, and Davenport secures the year-end No. 1 ranking over the Belgian.

On court Friday are Mauresmo vs. Pierce, Sharapova vs. Petrova, and Clijsters vs. Dementieva.