Clijsters, Henin set up
all-Belgian showdown
Kim Clijsters set up a last four tussle with fellow-Belgian Justine Henin at the Italian Open after both cruised through their quarter-finals on Friday.
Clijsters was too strong for Sandrine Testud, beating the Frenchwoman 6-1, 6-3 while Henin overcame Spain's Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-3, 6-4.
"I feel like when you play Sandrine you have to stay focussed because she can turn a match around so quickly," said Clijsters.
"I tried to be aggressive and it worked."
Clijsters, who was beaten in last year's French Open final by Jennifer Capriati, added she was excited about renewing her on court rivalry with Henin.
"She's obviously playing very well," said Clijsters. "It's another chance for Belgium to have a girl in the final so I'm proud to play against her."
Henin, who won the title in Berlin last week, marched in to the last four with an impressive display against Pascual.
Despite sporting heavy strapping on her left thigh, Henin looked in hot form against the Spaniard.
"If play Kim I have nothing to lose because I have lost the last few times," said Henin.
"When we play it's always special. I go out on court to give 100 percent so we will wait and see what happens."
The duo' s most memorable match was in the French Open semi-finals last year when Henin led by a set and 4-1 before her nerve failed her and she allowed Clijsters to take the match in three sets.