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Sharapova exits to unseeded Jamea

Jackson powers a forehand during her shock victory over Sharapova.

BIRMINGHAM, England -- Unseeded American Jamea Jackson caused a massive upset as she beat defending champion Maria Sharapova 6-4 6-4 on Saturday to reach the final of the WTA event in Birmingham.

Former Wimbledon champion Sharapova was bidding for her third straight title at the event and had beaten Jackson in their two previous meetings.

The 81st-ranked Jackson will face another Russian, Vera Zvonareva, in Sunday's final.

Zvonareva had earlier beaten Meilen Tu of the United States 5-7 6-4 6-3 in the first semifinal.

Until she injured her ankle in practice at the end of April, Sharapova had enjoyed an impressive year, reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open, winning the title in Indian Wells and then reaching the final in Miami.

Last week, the 19-year-old Sharapova lost to compatriot Dinara Safina in the fourth round of the French Open.

The top-seeded Russian, whose only other defeats on grass in 37 matches was at Birmingam's Edgbastion Priory Club in 2003 and at Wimbledon in 2003 and 2005, was even hit with a code of conduct warning after her father Yuri gave her advice.

"Jamea served well and took the lead early and that kind of set the tone for the match," Sharapova said.

"I dug a hole from the beginning and couldn't find a way out. I was a little bit flat and it seemed like I couldn't put more than two good points together, and she played really well -- but these things happen.

"I am disappointed but I have to look ahead. I am going to London and will start preparing for Wimbledon. I will be working hard and looking forward to playing my favorite Grand Slam."

Wimbledon starts on June 26.

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