Kuznetsova through to final four

Kuznetsova is chasing her ninth singles title

Svetlana Kuznetsova advanced to the Pacific Life Open semi-finals with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 win over Nicole Vaidisova.

The 2004 US Open champion had never gone beyond the last eight in Indian Wells and looked to be on her way out again as she dropped the first set.

But the Russian second seed fought back against the Czech in the second set to level matters and then won the third.

Kuznetsova now meets suprise semi-finalist Sybille Bammer after the Austrian beat Tatiana Golovin 6-2 6-3.

"I was maybe a bit tense and I wasn't getting into the ball as I would (like) to," Kuznetsova, 21, admitted.

"She played a good match and it was very tough out there."

Sixth seed Vaidisova, 17, said: "A couple of mistakes here and there and she was able to take advantage of it. But I felt good with the way I played."

Bammer, 26, is the only mother in the world's top 50 and travels on tour with her daughter Tina.

The world number 46 comfortably dispatched France's Golovin, overpowering her with her left-handed forehand and attacking serve.

"If someone had told me before the tournament that I would reach the quarters or semis I would have taken it," Bammer said.

"I am really happy. And I think I won because I have been staying calm."

China's 12th Li Na of China will face Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia in the other semi-final.