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BEIJING, Sept 17: Argentina’s Guillermo Coria fought back from the jaws of defeat to overcome Thomas Johansson of Sweden 4-6 7-5 6-2 in the China Open semifinals on Saturday.
Second seed Coria will play top seed Rafael Nadal in Sunday’s final. Nadal overcame fellow countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 in the other semifinal.
Coria was on the ropes in the ninth game of the second set but fought back to break to 5-4 when he chased down a Johansson drop shot to produce a superb angled winner.
It proved to be the turning point.
Last year’s French Open finalist raced through the third set as fourth seed Johansson wilted in the fierce heat and wrapped up victory in just under two hours.
Coria, a quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open last week, is bidding to win his second title of the year and secure his place in the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai.
A disconsolate Johansson, a former Australian Open winner, lamented his failure to convert his match points.
Results: Rafael Nadal bt Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-4 6-4; Guillermo Coria bt Thomas Johansson 4-6 7-5 6-2.
BALI: Top seed Lindsay Davenport overcame China’s Na Li 6-2 6-2 on Saturday and will face Francesca Schiavone in the final of the Bali International.
Despite not hitting top form, Davenport found enough strong serves and weight of shot to overcome a talented but erratic opponent, who hit too many forehand errors.
Italian Schiavone booked her place in Sunday’s final when her opponent, Patty Schnyder, was overcome by the heat and retired with the score at 1-6 6-4.
Swiss left-hander Schnyder appeared to be firmly in control and did not face a break point until she double-faulted when leading 4-3 in the second set.
Schiavone then held for a 5-4 lead. Second seed Schnyder called for the trainer and placed an icebag on her head while receiving attention.
When play resumed, Schnyder saved two set points but after hit a backhand wide on the third she retired from the match.
Semifinal results: Lindsay Davenport bt Na Li 6-2 6-2; Francesca Schiavone bt -Patty Schnyder 1-6 6-4 (Schnyder retired).—Agencies
