Venus pushes Henin hard despite queasy feeling

NEW YORK, Sep 8 (Reuters) Twice champion Venus Williams felt dizzy and sick to her stomach but fought on against top seed Justine Henin before falling 7-6 6-4 in a rousing US open semi-final.

''I just was feeling dizzy, a little sick to the stomach,'' said the 27-year-old Williams, who was visited by a trainer late in the second set,yesterday.

''I was just having some energy problems.

''I'm not really sure what's wrong with me. But credit to her for playing well,'' she told reporters.

French Open champion Henin, who won for only the second time in nine career matches against Williams, advanced to today's final against Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, a three-set winner against compatriot Anna Chakvetadze.

Williams declined to ask for a timeout after summoning the trainer following the seventh game where she squandered a 0-40, triple break point opportunity against Henin that would have allowed her to serve for a 5-3 lead in the second set.

''Normally when you get hurt or sick in a match there's nothing that can be done,'' the 2000 and 2001 champion said.

''You have to just get through it. I did my best.

FIGHTING CIRCUMSTANCES ''I tried my best today. I'm very disappointed.

''I just feel like I was fighting some circumstances that I couldn't conquer.'' Williams fought from behind throughout the two-hour match at Arthur Ashe Stadium but showed her spirit by coming back time and again to push world number one Henin to the limit.

Wimbledon champion Williams said she has been battling illness all through the Open, the season's last grand slam.

''Throughout the tournament, I've tried to keep my points short. It was definitely a challenge against (third seed Jelena) Jankovic, and a challenge today.

''But I did my best, and I wish the players the best of luck in the final.

''I'm disappointed, obviously, despite any circumstances. I feel like I should have found a way, despite anything.'' REUTERS BJR AS1010