Czech Tomas Berdych outpowered top seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to take a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory and reach the final of the China Open.
He will face Marin Cilic, who deployed his powerful serve to ease past fellow Croatian Ivan Ljubicic 6-4, 6-3.
In women's play, German 9th seed Andrea Petkovic overwhelmed Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu 6-2, 6-0 to reach the final.
She will play 11th seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who defeated Italian Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 6-4.
Tsonga was unable to take control of the on-form Berdych, who is one of his rivals in the chase for a spot at next month's season-ending World Tour Finals in London.
The world number 10 took advantage of 15 Tsonga unforced errors, pounding his way into the final with his eighth ace on match point.
"This final could turn my season from a good one to a really great one," said Berdych.
"I thought I was in with a good chance, I'm expecting a tough final tomorrow."
Cilic, outserved his opponent with 13 aces against nine from Ljubicic.
He broke serve to lead 5-4 before serving out for the first set.
"I then started serving better, the start of the second set was really crucial," said the 23-year-old.
"It was maybe the best I've ever served."
AFP
Tags: tennis, sport, china First posted October 09, 2011 07:08:41
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