Chinese tennis player Li Na advanced to the semifinals by knocking out Venus Williams, the defending Wimbledon champion and the winner of both the singles and doubles tournaments at the 2000 Games, in the quarterfinal of the women's singles tournament on August 14.

Li Na played in front of a cheering audience that included her family and friends. Bolstered by the support of vehement home crowd, Li Na virtually came out of nowhere to turn in a superb performance.

"Their cheers were a great boost for me. I knew the cheers were for me to make me excited. I am very satisfied with my performance," said the player whose ranking rose to number 42 after the victory.

As the first Chinese female to become a member of the ATP top 20 and also the first Chinese player to make a Grand Slam quarterfinal, Li Na used her victory over Williams to attest to her prowess on the tennis court.

"I am really excited that I can make the semifinal in an event that is only held once every four years. It is a rare opportunity both for me and my country," she said.

The 26-year-old player missed most of 2007 due to injury, but she staged a comeback with good form this year. Unfortunately, her progress was halted by her recurring knee injury in March.

"In today's match, you could tell whether I have fully recovered," she said, ecstatic over the victory.

In her wildest imagination, Li never dreamed of an Olympic medal, and neither did her husband and also coach Jian Shan. "I want to know how far the games can get me. I hope I can get the best out of myself for the remaining matches of the games."

Li Na's next opponent will be the winner of the match between top seed Jelena Jankovic and Dinara Safina, a runner-up at Roland Garros.

(China.org.cn, August 15, 2008)