Hantuchova moves into semis

Hantuchova beat third seed Justine Henin in the last round

Click here for Tuesday's women's quarter-finals results

Daniela Hantuchova became the first player to reach the semi-finals at Indian Wells by beating Lisa Raymond.

Hantuchova, who knocked out third seed Justine Henin in straight sets on Monday, had little trouble against the 12th-seeded American.

The 18-year-old from Slovakia came through 6-4 6-2 to set up a meeting with Emmanuelle Gagliardi.

Hantuchova put her breakthrough at this tournament down to "experience".

Gagliardi had little trouble against Smashnova

"I think mentally I'm much stronger," said the Slovakian. "I know more what to do in the important times of the match."

Gagliardi ensured her place in the semis with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Anna Smashnova.

Gagliardi said her plan to keep Smashnova out of the long rallies she likes worked perfectly.

"She's a defensive player and you have to wait," Gagliardi said.

"You cannot attack every single ball, you have to wait for the good ball to do it."

The tournament has suffered with many of the women's game's big names not competing or crashing out early.

In the remaining quarter-finals on Wednesday, second seed Martina Hingis will take on 10th seeded South African Amanda Coetzer, and fourth seed Monica Seles will take on Spanish veteran Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.

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Women's quarter-finals results:

Daniela Hantuchova (Slk, 18) bt Lisa Raymond (USA, 12) 6-4 6-2
Emmanuelle Gagliardi (Ita) bt Anna Smashnova (Isr) 6-2 6-1

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