Williams sisters ease into semi-finals

VENUS WILLIAMS stayed on course for her fifth Wimbledon title eight years after her first – and declared she is still the same girl who jumped for joy on Centre Court back in 2000.

The defending champion set up a semi-final against fifth seed Elena Dementieva and a possible final against sister Serena by overpowering veteran Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-4 6-3 on Court One yesterday.

Reflecting on the passage of time between her maiden All England Club victory and the present day, 28-year-old Venus said: “I’m not sure what that girl in 2000 was thinking. I think she was reading a Harry Potter book.