Henin battles past Bremond in quarters

LONDON, July 4 (Reuters) Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne overwhelmed battling French qualifier Severine Bremond 6-4 6-4 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals today.

The three-times French Open champion took a tight first set with a decisive break for 5-4 against an opponent who showed few nerves despite being ranked 129 and playing in her first grand slam quarter-final.

Henin-Hardenne, who is seeking to complete her set of grand slam titles by winning Wimbledon, broke Bremond's serve twice at the start of the second set and confirmed victory with a backhand volley.

In the last four, the 2001 runner-up faces either China's Li Na or Belgian second seed Kim Clijsters.

REUTERS PDS ND1928