The world number 32 breezed onto a blustery centre court on Wednesday and produced the upset of the tournament by brushing aside number one seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.

Unfortunately for the Dane, and her new found fans, she failed to follow up her success and was defeated in yesterday's quarter final 7-6, 6-4 by big serving Aussie Sam Stosur.

After wasting a multitude of break points, Wozniacki eventually lost the first set to a tie break before again having her serve broken at 4-4 in the second, allowing Stosur to run out the 7-6, 6-4 winner.

Wozniacki, who won the Wimbledon juniors in 2006, said, "The wind was hard but it was the same for both of us. It just did not go my way today."

Wozniacki's elimination came as a further body blow in a week where tournament organisers were lamenting the big name withdrawals of Ana Ivanovic, Lindsay Davenport and Amelie Mauresmo as well as Britain's Elena Baltacha.

Her display against 2004 champion Kuznetsova on Wednesday briefly lit up the centre court, put the smiles back on the faces of the Devonshire Park crowd and breathed fresh life and glamour to the competition.

Tournament director Gavin Fletcher said, "I think her performance against Kuznetsova was the highlight of the week. Caroline is a real class act and she will entertain the crowds here for many years to come.

"She won many fans with the crowd and media and she has a bright future ahead of her.

Of Davenport and Mauresmo's withdrawals, he added, "Unfortunately this is one of the things that can happen in world class sport.

"Both players wanted a good run and to entertain the crowds and they are very disappointed to pull out."

Stosur, who is making her come-back after a bout of viral meningitis, booked her place in a semi-final match-up with Russia's Nadia Petrova. The number eight seed yesterday beat qualifier Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets.

Stosur said, "When you are away from the game for a long time you appreciate moments like these.

"I am into the last four so you have to believe you can win it, why not?"

In the other half of the draw, a rejuvenated number two seed Marion Bartoli breezed into the semi-final with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win over Russian qualifier Alisa Kleybanova.

Polish number four seed Agnieszka Radwanska was playing Argentina's Gisela Dulko in the remaining semi.

Tomorrow's final is at 12noon.