Bartoli takes aim at Wimbledon with semi-final spot

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

EASTBOURNE, England (AFP) — The 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli moved closer to another shot at success on grass as she reached the semi-final of the Eastbourne Championships here on Thursday.

The Geneva-based Bartoli dominated Russian qualifier Alisa Kleybanova 6-3, 6-3 as a run of poor form this season faded away for the Frenchwoman this week.

"I'm feeling like I did last year," said the delighted second seed. "I've suddenly been energised, I'm able to play my game. "I think I'm on the right way again."

The top half of the draw will pit Russia's Nadia Petrova against Australian Samantha Stosur in what both expect to be a serve-and-volley struggle.

Bartoli, who has had repeated injury hard luck and poor results this season after playing the...