Mauresmo survives lapse to reach first final

LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) France's Amelie Mauresmo survived a mid-match slump to reach her first Wimbledon final with a 6-3 3-6 6-2 victory over Russian Maria Sharapova today.

The world number one led 6-3 3-1 before 2004 champion Sharapova reeled off five successive games to force a third set in an enthralling semi-final tussle on Centre Court.

Mauresmo recovered her rhythm in the decider, though, and will face French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne in Saturday's final, a repeat of this year's Australian Open final which she won after the Belgian retired with a stomach upset.

Fourth seed Sharapova has now lost five grand slam semi-finals since winning the 2004 Wimbledon title as a 17-year-old.

REUTERS SHB KP2302