By Chris Davies
April 5 2003

Anastasia Myskina of Russia will take on Nathalie Dechy of France after posting quarterfinal victories Friday at the $140,000 Sarasota Clay Court Classic The second-seeded Myskina had her hands full against fellow Russian Elena Dementieva, but prevailed against this week's fifth seed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. Next for Myskina will be the seventh-seeded Dechy, an easy 6-3, 6-4 victor over American wild card Ansley Cargill.

The world No. 11 Myskina titled in Qatar in February, while Dechy captured a season-opening event in Queensland, Australia in January.

Aussie Alicia Molik faced lefthanded Argentine Clarisa Fernandez who reached the semi-finals of the French Open last year, retired in the third set with tendinitis in her shoulder. Molik, who wound up with a 6-3, 4-3 retired.

1997 French Open Champion Iva Majoli battled her way into her first semi-final of the year ousting Paola Suarez the conquerer of Jelena Dokic in round 1 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.


Results

(7) N DECHY (FRA) bt A Cargill (USA)
6-3, 6-4

A Molik (AUS) bt C Fernandez (ARG)
6-3, 4-3 retired

(2) A Myskina (RUS) bt (5) E Dementieva (RUS)
2-6, 6-3, 6-1

I Majoli (CRO) bt P Suarez (ARG)
3-6, 6-3, 6-2