Sania-Chuang through to Madrid semis

Sania Mirza [ Images ] and her partner Chia-Jung Chuang [ Images ] advanced to the semifinals of the USD 4,500,000 Madrid Open after Russian-Belarussian duo of Victoria Azarenka [ Images ] and Elena Vesnina conceded their quarterfinal match in Madrid.

The unseeded Indo-Taipei duo were leading 2-0 in the first set when their opponents pulled out due to an injury in Azarenka's left knee.

Sania-Chuang will next face third seeds Lisa Raymond [ Images ] of the US and Kveta Peshke of Czech Republic in the last four stage.

The other semifinal will be played between top seeds Cara Black [ Images ] of Zimbabwe and American Liezel Huber and the fourth seeded Australian pair of Samantha Stosur [ Images ] and Rennae Stubbs [ Images ].

Sania had earlier failed to make the cut into the main draw of the singles event after losing 3-6, 3-6 to Aravane Rezai [ Images ] of France [ Images ] in the first round qualifiers.