V. Williams, Mauresmo reach Belgium final
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-20 16:27

Venus Williams beat French Open champion Anastasia Myskina 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 Saturday in the Diamond Games semifinals to move within a victory of claiming a $1.3 million gem-encrusted trophy.

Venus Williams of the U.S.returns a backhand to Anastasia Myskina of Russia during their semi-final match in the Diamond Games WTA tournament in Antwerp, northern Belgium, February 19, 2005. Williams won 6-3 3-6 6-3. [Reuters]

Williams' opponent in the final will be top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo, who defeated Olympic bronze medalist Alicia Molik of Australia 6-3, 7-6 (2).

The third-seeded Williams would earn the gold-and-diamond trophy by becoming the first player to win the tournament three times in a five-year span. She was the champion in 2002 and 2003, then missed last year with a knee injury.

Mauresmo reached her second straight WTA Tour final. She and Molik both served well, allowing few openings. But in the sixth game of the match, Molik combined a double-fault with some unforced errors, allowing Mauresmo to convert what would be their semifinal's only service break.

"There was great intensity in the match. I was extremely happy with my service," said Mauresmo, who hit two aces in the first set's closing game.

Mauresmo, 25, was briefly ranked No. 1 last year and is now second behind Lindsay Davenport. She reached the final at last week's Open Gaz de France in Paris, losing to Dinara Safina of Russia.

The loss was just the second of the season for Molik, who entered Saturday with an 11-1 mark. She reached the semifinals at the Australian Open (news - web sites).

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