SHANGHAI, Nov 16: Chilean Fernando Gonzalez made the most of his last-minute Masters Cup call-up on Wednesday by beating fellow emergency replacement Mariano Puerta 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.

The world numbers 13 and 12 were only playing in the eight-man event courtesy of Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi’s shock double withdrawal on Monday.

The defeat spells the end of Puerta’s interest in the 4.45-million-dollar tournament after he was beaten in straight sets by Gaston Gaudio.

But it hands a semi-final berth to Russia’s top player, Nikolay Davydenko, who downed Gaudio earlier.

Gonzalez, the first Chilean in the season finale since Marcelo Rios in 1998, got off to a speedy start, breaking Puerta early in the first set. Puerta saved three break points at 4-2 but could not get the break back as Gonzalez took the set 6-3.

The left-handed Argentine hit back early in the second, breaking Gonzalez in his first game and producing a big serve for the set at 6-4.

But Gonzalez dominated the final set, holding for love before breaking for 2-0, although Puerta was convinced that the Chilean’s winning shot went long.

Another break to make it 4-0 put Puerta on the ropes before he capitulated for 6-0.

Puerta, 27, is one of four Argentine players here. Banned for nine months in 2003, he was recently forced to deny career-threatening reports that he tested positive for a banned substance a second time.

Results

Gold group

Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) bt Gaston Gaudio (ARG) 6-3, 6-4; Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) bt Mariano Puerta (ARG) 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.—AFP