DUBAI (AFP) - Shahar Peer, the first Israeli woman ever to compete in the United Arab Emirates, further increased the security headaches by continuing her inspired run of success to a fourth victory and a semi-final place in the Dubai Open on Thursday.

Peer extended her career-best sequence to a victory over Li Na, the world number ten from China, who retired while trailing 5-7, 0-3, increasing the possibility that the Israeli will now be scheduled on to the centre court for the first time.

That might afford less protection for Peer than the secluded, tree-lined, limited access outside court on which she has so far played.

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And with the political fall-out from last month's Dubai assassination, and the finger being pointed at Israeli agents, the temptation will be not to take this risk.

At the same time, with Venus Williams a favourite to win her quarter-final against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the same half, there will be pressure for new plans to be considered.

About 5,000 people have bought centre court tickets for semi-finals day expecting to see one of the world's leading players - and Williams, the five times former Wimbledon champion, is the only big name left in the tournament.

"We have to take it day by day," said tournament referee Alan Mills.

"The tournament has said that security is paramount. And it is the security and police who dictate what happens.

"So we will have to wait and see. We have already said - if she gets to the final, where are 5,000 people going to sit? It's something that they have obviously got in hand."

It emerged later that organisers were considering placing Peer on an outside court yet again, even for her semi-final.

The plan is that she will play on court two, where it is possible for spectators seated behind adjoining courts to see, perhaps enabling 1,000 people to watch.

"I'm the only player that hasn't played on centre court," said Peer, who has been accompanied to breakfast by bodyguards.

"But whatever will be, will be. I'm not controlling it. I'm doing what I've been told, and wherever I need to play, I'll play on."

Asked if it would be a disadvantage not to have played on centre court if she eventually gets there, Peer answered: "I guess not, because I am winning.

"But you know like I said I'm doing what I've been told. I'm not involved in the schedule.

"I'm just getting the schedule after when my coach is telling me when I'm playing on which court, and I'm getting ready for the match."

Mills said he had never come across anything quite like this situation.

The former Wimbledon referee observed: "I remember when we had the problems with apartheid and flower bombs were thrown at events - that was the nearest we have come with the politics involved."

The dynamic effect of this unprecedented situation upon steely-minded Peer is shown by her results.

First she beat Yanina Wickmayer, the 13th seed, then Virginie Razzano, last year's runner-up, followed by Caroline Wozniacki, the world number three, and now against Li she overcame an opponent against whom she had lost both previous encounters.

And although Li retired with a troublesome lower back mid-way through the second set, Peer's success had the hallmarks of a genuine victory.

Peer's progress has also lent colour to a bit of sporting history being played out against a violent political background, but which also - according to local hopes - could eventually play a part in the Olympics coming to the Middle East.