Tennis: Henman one step from final

TIM HENMAN clinched a place in the semi-final of the President's Cup in Tashkent yesterday with a straight-sets victory over Stefano Pescosolido.

The Italian led 3-0, but the British No 1 fought back with a booming serve, sharp volleys and sharper returns that had his opponent stretching for the ball landing at his feet.

Henman, defending his title, eventually triumphed 6-4, 6-4 and now faces the world No 39, Nicholas Escude. The Frenchman defeated Germany's Karsten Braasch 6-4, 7-6.

Henman, ranked 11 in the world, is on course for a final against the Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who beat Gaston Etlis, of Argentina, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.