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The 5th seed Fernando Verdasco is through to only his second semi-final of the season (Rio de Janeiro in February) after a rock solid 6-4 6-2 win over the 2nd seed Pablo Carreno Busta in an hour and 25 minutes. Fernando had won their previous meeting in Bastad four years ago but Pablo claimed the last three meetings without losing a set, unable to repeat the same today.
The result could have been closer but Verdasco saved all six break points he faced to keep the pressure on his younger opponent who got broken three times from four opportunities to end on the losing side. Verdasco earned a break in the fifth game when Pablo netted an easy backhand and he saved three break points in the game that followed with three winners to increase the gap to 4-2.
A service winner in game 10 gave Verdasco the opener after 48 minutes and he broke Carreno Busta at 15 to open the second set in the similar style. Just like in the opener, Fernando had to play against three break points in the game after he earned a break and he stayed focused, saving them all with winners to cement his lead and make a big step towards the last four.
Pablo had to give his serve away in game seven as well and Fernando sealed the deal with a service winner in game eight to stay on the title course. The 3rd seed Fabio Fognini is through to the last four thanks to a commanding 6-4 6-3 triumph over Federico Delbonis in an hour and 21 minutes for his fifth semi-final of the season. Quarter-final results: