Sharapova in quarters for first time since ’06

NEW YORK – Maria Sharapova is back in the U.S. Open quarterfinals for the first time since winning the title in 2006.

Shrieking loudly during points, screaming and pumping her fist after winning them, Sharapova grabbed control after a 75-minute rain delay to beat 19th-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 on Sunday night.

Sharapova improved to 11-0 this season in three-set matches. She trailed 2-0 in the final set against Petrova, but took five of the next six games following the resumption in play.

The four-time Grand Slam champion now faces 2007 Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli of France for a semifinal berth. The 11th-seeded Bartoli defeated No. 5 Petra Kvitova, who won Wimbledon last year, 1-6, 6-2, 6-0.