Clijsters survives Li fightback

LONDON, July 4 (Reuters) Second seed Kim Clijsters reached her second Wimbledon singles semi-final today, beating China's Na Li 6-4 7-5.

The Belgian looked to be in cruise control when she led by a set and a break against China's first grand slam quarter-finalist but was made to scrap all the way.

From 0-2 in the second set the powerful Chinese 27th seed hit a purple patch to win the next five games and held a set point when serving at 5-3 but hit a backhand long.

The U S Open champion seized her chance, breaking back twice to serve for the match at 6-5. Li saved two match points with some brave hitting but went just long with a backhand to give Clijsters victory at the third attempt.

Reuters PDS RN2112