Henin-Hardenne is trying to regain the title she won in 2004

Both players struggled in the cool, breezy conditions, while Davenport was also hampered by an ankle injury.

Despite that the American cruised through the first set before the momentum switched to Henin-Hardenne.

The Belgian eighth seed won the second set before closing out the third to set up a semi-final with Maria Sharapova.

The defeat means Davenport will lose the number one spot in the world rankings when the revised placings are released on Monday, with Kim Clijsters or possibly Amelie Mauresmo set to take over.

Davenport cruised through the first set on Tuesday without playing her best.

Henin-Hardenne looked nervy and all parts of her game suffered, although her serve was worst hit and she failed to hold it once on her way to losing her first set of the tournament.

Sharapova has confidence and wants to be in the final so it's going to be a great match Henin-Hardenne on her semi-final

The second set was a complete switch, with Davenport struggling and Henin-Hardenne finding some form.

The Belgian started the set by holding her serve for the first time and, with Davenport's serve suddenly wilting, she levelled the match at one-set all.

The final set was less one-sided than the first two and although Henin-Hardenne led 2-0 Davenport fought back to level at 2-2.

However, that was as good as it got for the top seed as Henin-Hardenne won the next three games to lead 5-2.

Davenport temporarily managed to stem the flow by winning the eighth game but Henin-Hardenne, by now playing much more freely, closed out the game at the first attempt.

The Belgian, who missed much of last season with a hamstring injury, is relishing the chance to tackle Sharapova in the last four.

"She has confidence and wants to be in the final, so it's going to be a great match," said Henin-Hardenne.

"I played pretty solid in the second and the third sets. Lindsay put me under a lot of pressure in the first but I kept on fighting. �

"I've been injured for so long, it's great to be back in the semi-finals."

Davenport admitted she was disappointed with the way her game fell away after a promising first set.

"I felt like I started well, I was being consistent and was in control," said the American.

"There were a couple of quick games in the second where I gave points away and it gave her confidence. I slightly got away from my game plan.

"I've worked really hard and to play well, then slowly play worse as the match goes on, is a bad feeling."