Hantuchova comeback stuns Hingis in Qatar

DOHA, Mar 1 (Reuters) Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova came back from the brink to oust Martina Hingis 1-6 6-4 6-4 and set up a semi-final with Svetlana Kuznetsova at the Qatar Open today.

Third seed Hingis appeared to be coasting to victory as she led by a set and 4-1.

But Hantuchova, seeded six, began to find her range from the baseline to put the Swiss under pressure for the first time.

The comeback started when she broke Hingis in the seventh game and then again two games later before wrapping up the set with a cross-court forehand.

Hantuchova raced into a 4-2 lead in the decider only for Hingis to break back and level at 4-4. But having restored parity the Swiss dropped her serve again and the Slovakian seized the advantage to serve out the match.

''I never felt that I was out of it. Even though she was 4-1 up in the second, I slowly started to believe that I was doing the right stuff. And I thought it was just a matter of time to break her down,'' Hantuchova said.

''Until that I don't think she missed too many balls, she was playing very well. I have to give her the credit for that.

''But I really liked the way I turned the match around and found a way to get through.

''I just tried to play my game. I stayed positive and never gave up.'' Second seed Kuznetsova eased into the last four with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Italy's Francesca Schiavone, seeded eight.

Serbia's Jelena Jankovic, seeded four, defeated Ukrainian qualifier Katerina Bondarenko 6-3 6-3 and will play top seed Justine Henin or fifth seed Patty Schnyder.

Reuters SY VP0013