Injured Hantuchova falls in Paris

Hantuchova was hampered by a blister on her right hand

Second seed Daniela Hantuchova suffered a shock defeat by Hungary's Agnes Szavay in the quarter-finals of the Open Gaz de France in Paris.

Hantuchova, who reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open in January, was hampered by a blister on her right hand as she lost 7-6 (7-4) 6-1.

Top seed Anna Chakvetadze later beat Amelie Mauresmo 3-6 6-3 6-3.

"The blister started on Thursday .It was bothering me while I was holding the racquet," said Hantuchova.

"But that's not an excuse, Szavay played really well."

Seventh seed Szavay served for the first set at 6-5 but, although Hantuchova broke back to level, the Slovakian lost out in the tiebreak.

Hantuchova had her hand bandaged by a trainer in the second set and then had her serve broken three times as Szavay wrapped up her win.

Szavay will meet Elena Dementieva in the semis after the fourth seed beat Kateryna Bondarenko 7-5 6-2.

Chakvetadze will play France's Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli, who defeated compatriot Virginie Razzano 6-1 7-6 (7-3).