MANILA, Philippines – Li Na became the first Chinese player to reach the semi-finals of the US Open after beating Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova in the quarter-finals. Li, seeded fifth at Flushing Meadows, reeled off the last four games to seal victory after nearly two and a half hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 31-year-old Li was not at her absolute best against the left-handed Makarova as both women struggled in the gusting winds. But she was more street-wise than Makarova when it mattered, allowing her to book a historic semi-final slot against defending champion Serena Williams. Mornings @ ANC, September 4, 2013