WASHINGTON, July 30(Xinhuanet)-- Former world number one Venus Williams made an easy through to the semi-finals of the Stanford Classic on Friday as she beat Jelena Jankovic of Sebia and Montenegro in straight sets.

Former Stanford champion Kim Clijsters was also impressive, beating Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 6-1. She'll face German 20-year-old Anna-Lena Groenefeld in the semi-finals, who upset sixth seed Nathalie Dechy 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

The reigning Wimbledon champion Venus, seeded second here, won the quarter 6-3, 6-3 with efficient serve and clean volley. She will face third seed Patty Schnyder, who trounced Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-1.

Venus was her normal vigorous self, chasing down deep groundstrokes to the corners and powering them back for winners.

"Sometimes when she hit the ball I thought my arm would fall off," Jankovic said."We are so differently physically. I have toget much stronger to keep up with her. She's really tall, but she runs like she's only five-feet tall. She's a great athlete." Enditem