Wily Williams forced to dig deep

REIGNING champion Venus Williams snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at Wimbledon yesterday, but it was top seed Amelie Mauresmo who looked every bit a champion in waiting with a fine display on Centre Court.

Williams, a three-time winner, looked on her way out when Lisa Raymond served for the match at a set-up and 5-3.

But the number six seed held her nerve and forced a break from which Raymond never recovered, as Williams cruised through the decider to clinch a 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-2 victory. She will now meet Jelena Jankovic.