Years of experience and the newly-found confidence that has surged through her since the 800 win enabled her to remain patient and ease her way forward on the back straight.

CNN: Holmes wins 1,500m to take double

In Ashton's case, both parameters make clear that there is no way to win her over to Israel's side.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Dreamy foreign policies

But Williams clawed her way back to win, despite receiving lengthy treatment for thigh and back problems.

BBC: Defending champion Safina suffers shock Madrid exit

Molik, who captured her second career title last week in Stockholm, powered her way into the semifinals with a 6-3 6-4 win over Japan's Ai Sugiyama.

CNN: Henin-Hardenne reaches semifinals

Her transformation of Britain's economy is interpreted by some Tories as proof that the proper way to win power is to promise upheaval, especially in taxation, and the proper way to wield it is via radical reform and confrontation.

ECONOMIST: David Cameron