Schnyder, Golovin book semi-final showdown

STANFORD, July 29 (Reuters) Second seed Patty Schnyder defeated American Jill Craybas 6-4 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Bank of the West Classic.

The Swiss will meet French teenager Tatiana Golovin, who upset fourth seed Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany 6-4 7-6 yesterday.

''I was very up and down,'' Schnyder said. ''I was surprised at how well she hit her down the line forehand, but I served really well and feel pretty good about how I got through.'' The 18-year-old Golovin continued her superb week, pounding to victory from the back court.

Golovin sustained a serious ankle injury in March that had her out of action for more than two months, but believes her recovery is now complete.

''She made a lot of winners and mistakes so it was tough to get a rhythm,'' Golovin said. ''I adapted pretty well to her. In the tiebreaker she broke down mentally and that's good for me.'' Third seed Nicole Vaidisova overwhelmed Australian Samantha Stosur 6-4 6-2 to reach the last four.

The 17-year-old Czech hammered Stosur with big serves and blinding groundstrokes.

''I didn't start out the greatest, but I stayed positive and was able to come back and play well,'' Vaidisova said.

''I didn't have that much trouble with her serve and tried to change the pace sometimes. I'm excited to be in the semi-finals.'' Vaidisova will meet the winner of the match between top seed Kim Clijsters and Russia's Vera Zvonareva.

REUTERS PM RAI0854