Venus Williams trounced Elena Likhovtseva - then revealed that retaining her Wimbledon title is more important than being ranked No 1.

The reigning champion said Martina Hingis, who was beaten in the first round, deserved to be at the top of the ATP rankings because of her overall consitency and tournament records.

But Williams said winning titles was the only thing that was important to her.

"For me it is more important to win the big one's than to finish well. Finishing well for me isn't enough, especially at this point in my career," said the 21-year-old.

Venus will overtake Hingis in the ATP race if she retains her title.

She has been in awesome form, dropping only fourteen games in her three matches so far.

As in previous rounds her opponent, Likhovtseva, matched her during the opening four games.

The Russian even had two break points in the opening game but wasted them.

Good job

The match seemed poised at 3-2 but Venus broke the 29th seed's serve then powered away to take the set without losing another game.

In the second set. a lapse in concentration saw Williams broken in the third game for 2-1.

But she then reeled off five straight games, sealing victory when Likhovtseva double-faulted to give her match point - then double-faulted again.

She now meets unseeded Russian Nadejda Petrova for a place in the quarter-finals.

Williams says she feels she is now finding her best.

"I feel I am playing better and better and that I can get the job done even if I am not playing my best.

"I don't feel any pressure as I love playing here more than anything. I know a lot of players do feel pressure, but I don't."