Venus to clash Mauresmo for title

Venus Williams [Images] outgunned Anastasia Myskina [Images] 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the $585,000 Antwerp Diamond Games.

The American former world number one will face France's [Images] Amelie Mauresmo in Sunday's final after the top seed earlier beat Australian Alicia Molik [Images] 6-3, 7-6.

Williams started her semi-final in great fashion, hitting powerful serves and solid volleys to move 4-0 ahead after just eight minutes on her way to closing out the first set 6-3.

Unforced errors crept into the American's game in the second set allowing her Russian opponent to level but the power of Williams's serve proved decisive in the third set.

"I made so many mistakes in the second set that I helped her get her confidence back so she could come back into the match," said Williams.

Mauresmo served 14 aces and dominated at the net against an opponent who was slow to pick up pace.

"I started well with some good serving and volleying and was able to stay in that zone all the time," she said.

Asked about facing Williams she said: "I saw Venus winning her quarter-final yesterday against Kim Clijsters [Images] and she is very strong at the moment. We'll see what happens tomorrow."

Williams added: ""Every match is different, of course, and we'll see what happens in the final. Another day, another opponent".

The last time they met was in Philadelphia last year when Mauresmo won 7-5, 5-7, 6-1.

"It was close," said Williams, "but I can guarantee you that I am much better now. In fact, who I play really doesn't matter. My only opponent is the ball and every match is different."

Williams is moving closer to owning the gold and diamond racket that will become the property of the first player to win the tournament three times after her successes in 2002 and 2003.

"Would it be nice to win it?" asked Williams. "Well of course, but no drama if I don't. The thought of the final will not prevent me sleeping well, for sure. Do I know where I would put it in my home? Oh, several places could be nice."

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