Venus spins into Dubai semis

Venus Williams has reached her fourth career Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships semi-final with a 6-3, 7-5 win over qualifier Flavia Pennetta of Italy.

The American, who won this title in 2009 and 2010, squandered her first chance of victory. Serving at 5-4, she lost a match point when Pennetta hit a forehand crosscourt winner.

Four points later Pennetta broke serve to even the score. However, Pennetta dropped serve in the 11th game to give Williams a second chance. After falling 0-40 behind, Williams fought back to take the game and the match.

Williams now takes on another former world number one Caroline Wozniacki who beat Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-1 6-2.

Top seed Serena Williams plays fifth-seeded Jelena Jankovic of Serbia on Thursday night.