Baltacha looks in good shape ahead of a busy grass court schedule

British number one Elena Baltacha eased into the Aegon Trophy final, but Anne Keothavong quit the Nottingham grass-court event because of a hip injury.

Baltacha beat China's Xinyun Han 7-6 (7-5) 6-3, having played both her semi-final and quarter-final matches on Friday because of bad weather.

Keothavong retired hurt as a precaution when trailing Sandra Zahlavova 6-4 3-3 during her quarter-final match.

Briton Alex Ward was beaten in the men's last eight by Andre Begemann.

Ward had delighted the home fans with two impressive wins, including victory over fourth seed and four-time ATP Tour winner Taylor Dent, but he lost in straight sets to the German.

606: DEBATE What do you make of Baltacha's form?

It was a mixed day for Britain's women with Baltacha's progression, tempered by Keothavong's latest injury setback.

With the Birmingham event next week, followed by Wimbledon, the 26-year-old Keothavong, who has overcome a serious knee injury, insisted: "It's a precaution I felt I had to take.

"Hopefully, with some good treatment and a few days' rest, I should be fine."

Baltacha had a busy day, having to come through two matches, which began with a comfortable 6-4 6-0 win over reigning Wimbledon junior champion Noppawan Leertcheewakarn.

"The first set was a little bit up and down," the 26-year-old Baltacha, who by reaching the semi-finals has equalled her 2009 run in Nottingham, told the LTA website.

I think my world ranking will go up around 100 places now because I've beaten some really high-ranked players Alex Ward

"Going into the match I knew that Noppowan is young, very dangerous and very talented and she showed me that in the beginning of the first set.

"In the second set I raised my level and the confidence I had from the first set breaking her twice helped my game to flow and I was playing really good tennis at the end."

The 20-year-old Ward, who was ranked 613 before the tournament, was disappointed to lose in the quarter-finals but was satisfied with his week's efforts.

"When I look back at this tournament I know I'll be very pleased with what I've achieved," he said.

"I think my world ranking will go up around 100 places now because I've beaten some really high-ranked players so that's a big improvement.

"I've got a lot of confidence from the wins I've had here."

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