Juan Monaco advanced to the semi-finals over the BCR Open Romania with a 6-3 2-6 6-1 win over Pablo Cuevas.

The game provided the Argentinian third seed with his 28th clay-court win of the season, more than any other player on the ATP Tour.

Monaco would have faced another Argentinian in the semis had Maximo Gonzalez not slipped to a 6-2 6-2 defeat at the hands of Simon Greul.

The German's victory secured his first tour semi.

Fifth seed Albert Montanes of Spain strolled into the semi-finals with a 6-1 6-1 demolition of Italy's Fabio Fognini.

He will next take on compatriot Santiago Ventura, who beat another Spaniard, Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo, 6-2 6-3.