Majestic Mauresmo takes centre stage

WORLD number one Amelie Mauresmo battled her way to the Wimbledon final for the first time, where she will meet Justin Henin-Hardenne tomorrow.

The Australian Open champion — who had reached the semi-final on each of her last three visits to the All England Club — overcame former champion Maria Sharapova in an enthralling contest on Centre Court 6-3 3-6 6-2 in a match which lasted almost two and a quarter hours.

Henin-Hardenne, meanwhile, triumphed in two tough sets, 6-4 7-6 (7-4), over Belgian compatriot Kim Clijsters, the number two seed.