Russian Chakvetadze beats Peer to reach semi-finals

NEW YORK, Sep 5 (Reuters) Russian Anna Chakvetadze beat Israeli 18th seed Shahar Peer 6-4 6-1 at the US Open to reach her first grand slam semi-final today.

The sixth seed, who has won four titles this year, came from a break down in both sets to set up a clash with either former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia or Hungarian teenager Agnes Szavay.

''I'm so excited,'' Chakvetadze told the crowd.

''I was so nervous before the match. Even though it was straight sets it was a really tough match.

''(In the second set) I just started to play more aggressively and Shahar's level went down a bit, so I took my opportunity.'' Peer began well, breaking in the fifth game on her way to a 4-2 lead but Chakvetadze hit back, using the angles well to win four straight games and take the set.

The Israeli gave herself some hope when she broke in the first game of the second set but Chakvetadze stopped Peer in her tracks as she won six straight games to reach the last four.

REUTERS PDT KP2350