Vaidisova upsets Venus to reach semis

PARIS, June 6 (Reuters) - Czech teenager Nicole Vaidisova beat Venus Williams 6-7 6-1 6-3 at the French Open today to reach her first grand slam semi-final.

''I'm so excited I could just scream now,'' said Vaidisova who beat world number one Amelie Mauresmo in the previous round. She now plays 2004 U.S. Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.

Nick Bollettieri's 17-year-old protege opened a 4-1 lead in the first set before Wimbledon champion Williams rallied by winning the next four games, and forced a tiebreak.

Williams, a finalist here in 2002, won the tiebreak 7-5 after clawing back a 5-2 deficit.

Vaidisova was undaunted, however, and went back on the offensive to wrap up the second set in 39 minutes.

The 16th seed sealed the match in two hours eight minutes when Williams sent a forehand long.

''I'm so excited, I've never been beyond the fourth round of a grand slam and now I'm in the semi-finals,'' said Vaidisova, who could become the second youngest player to triumph at Roland Garros if she wins the women's final on Saturday.

''I'm trying to get wiser and more mature and I guess today it just worked for me.'' REUTERS DH VC1858