Chinese top seed Li Na downed the Asian Games defending champion to setup a semifinal show-

down against Indian darling Sania Mirza who easily won her match on Monday.

The Chinese world number 21, the highest ranked player here, fought back from a set down against Uzbekistan's Iroda Tulyaganova to sneak through in the second and power her way to victory in the third, winning 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Fourth seed Mirza had an easier time against Suchanun Viratprasert in her quarterfinal, outclassing the

Thai ranked just 340 in the world.

Mirza, the world number 66, broke twice in the first set and three times in the second to win 6-3, 6-2 and bring the adoring Indian crowd to their feet.

"I'm going to do everything in my power to win on Tuesday although I know it won't be easy," she said of her showdown with Li.

"But I'm playing well and my fitness is good," she added.

Li, who lost in the team event to 2002 champion Tulyaganova, said the Uzbek's lack of concentration and her own determination had given her the edge.

"I played okay. I was a bit tired after playing too much tennis on Sunday," said the 24-year-old.

"Iroda was using top spin a lot, and she was serving well. So after

losing the first set, I told myself I can do it, and I hung on.

"She came back into the match three times in the second set. But she waslosing concentration quite often."

Tuesday's semifinal should a thrilling encounter with Mirza drawing large crowds of Indian fans who charge her for autographs when she steps off court.

In contrast, Li has attracted just a sprinkle of spectators for her matches despite being hot favourite to take the title.

Li made history at Wimbledon earlier this year when she became the first Chinese woman to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam.

The player she has nominated as her biggest challenge here, teammate Zheng Jie, prevailed over Taiwan's Chan Yung Jan 3-6, 6-4, 62 and now faces Aiko Nakamura for a place in the final.

The Japanese third seed advanced after 2002 Asian Games silver medallist Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand twisted her ankle and retired 1-4 down in the third set of their match.

On the men's side, South Korea's Lee Hyung Taik, favourite for gold, cruised into the semis, downing Ukbekistan's Denis Istomin 6-1, 7-5.

"I've played Istomin a few times in the past, and in this match the second set was difficult because his serves and ground strokes were very good," the top seed said.

The world number 49 next faces Cecil Mamiit from the Philippines who defeated Taiwan's Wang Yeu Tzuoo 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Thailand's Danai Udomchoke had to fight hard against South Korea's Jun Woong Sun before prevailing 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 in their match.

He and Japan's Go Soeda will battle it out for place in the finals after the fifth seed upset second seed, Taiwan's Lu Yen Hsun, 4-6, 62, 6-1.

In doubles action, hot favourites and feuding pair Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi walked into the semis over Pakistan's Alsam Ul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan 6-2, 6-4.