The Bell South tournament directors envisioned a different result but Sweden’s 26-year old Sofia Arvidsson turned the tables on 5’5” southern dynamo, Melanie Oudin. Arvidsson left nothing to the imagination and marched through America’s third ranked player in decisive fashion 6-1, 6-3.

The statuesque Swede has a history in Memphis. She claimed her only SONY Ericsson WTA tour championship here four years ago. Sofia played just as well in ousting 7th seeded American Vania King in straight sets in the second round.

Oudin had no answers for the 5’10” Swede who dominated throughout the match. Oudin conceded it was not her best effort but felt badly for her supporters.

Arvidsson will face Great Britain’s 26-year old Anne Keothavong in the first semifinal today. Anne recorded a straight set 6-4, 6-3 win over Karolina Spreem to advance to her second consecutive semifinal in Memphis.

The fifth seeded Petra Kvitova will face an uphill battle against the tournament’s top seed, Maria Sharapova. Petra unseated third seed Kaia Kanepi 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (0) in a stirring come from behind quarterfinal victory.

Russia’s Maria Sharapova had her trademark grunt on full volume in her quarterfinal pairing with 8th seeded Elena Baltacha. Sharapova was tested in the second set but held on for a 6-2, 7-5 win. Sharapova has not returned to championship caliber play since her return to the tour from injury in 2009.

The blonde beauty has vowed to return to form but serving inconsistencies have hurt her ability to compete against the tour’s upper echelon. The Bell South is a great opportunity for Sharapova to build some much-needed confidence.

If the expected Arvidsson-Sharapova match up takes place in the finals, Maria holds a 1-0 lifetime edge over the Swede. However, Sofia has doubled Sharapova’s earnings so far this season.

The Cellular South Cup originated in Oklahoma before relocating to Memphis in 2002. The $200,000 tournament is the only Sony Ericsson WTA event that is held at a private club. Previous winners include Arvidsson, Lisa Raymond, Vera Zvonareva, Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport and 2009 champion Victoria Azarenka.