Maria Sharapova has clinched a spot in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open courtesy of a quarter-final 7-6[6] 6-2 victory over Sara Errani.

The opening set needed to be decided with a tie-break following the first few games going by the way of serve.

While Errani secured points with precise forehands, Sharapova was able to just edge the decider to take the lead in California.

The second set was more of a formality for the Russian as she broke early on, which enabled her to push on and wrap up the contest to progress into the semi-finals.

Sharapova will go up against compatriot Maria Kirilenko for a place in the final.