ROME, May 7: Rafael Nadal defeated fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 on Saturday reach the final of the 2.1-million-euro Rome Masters. Nadal, who won Monte Carlo and Barcelona - in addition to another pair of clay events in February - has now claimed victory in his last 16 matches as he enhanced his credential as favourite for French Open.

The Sunday against the winner from Andre Agassi and 2004 Frenc Open finalist Guillermo Coria will be Nadal’s third straight final on clay in the past month.

Since tasting defeat at the hands of the 25th-ranked Ferrer in the Stuttgart quarterfinals last summer, the youngster has beaten countrymen 13 consecutive times.

Nadal improved to 30-2 on clay this season and stands one victory away from his second Masters title of the season.

Henin in final

BERLIN: Former world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne was in ominous form as she demolished seventh seed Patty Schnyder 6-0 6-1 to reach the German Open final on Saturday.

The Belgian 22-year-old broke Schnyder’s opening service game with forehand winners and she made the most of the wet conditions which slowed down play on the red clay.

Results (semifinals):Justine Henin-Hardenne (Belgium) bt -Patty Schnyder 6-0 6-1; Nadia Petrova bt Jelena Jankovic 6-4 6-7 6-3.

Quarterfinal: Jelena Jankovic bt Elena Bovina 6-3 3-6 6-3.—Agencies