test2wa

Tennis

Richard Gasquet defeated unseeded Spaniard Albert Montanes to advance into the semi-finals of the Mercedes Cup.

The second-seeded Frenchman began 2008 ranked in the top 10, but not much has gone his way this season as evidenced by his 17-13 record and failure to reach a semi-final prior to his performance at this clay-court event.

Things are looking up for Gasquet here, however, as he finds himself within two wins of his sixth singles title and first since hoisting the trophy at Mumbai in September.

Gasquet's foe in the semis will be sixth-seeded Argentinian Agustin Calleri, who defeated Michael Berrer of Germany 6-4 6-2.

Calleri, 31, is bidding for his first ATP final appearance since finishing runner-up to Nikolay Davydenko at New Haven two years ago.

While the veteran Calleri represents Argentina's past, upstart Eduardo Schwank is trying to establish himself as the country's future star.

The 22-year-old, who has surged from 171st to 62nd in the rankings since the start of the year, advanced to the first semi-final of his career with a 6-0 4-6 6-3 victory over Czech lucky loser Jan Hernych.

Hernych was placed in the draw earlier this week when top-seeded Rafael Nadal withdrew from the event at the last minute with a knee injury.

Schwank will try to reach his maiden final when he faces countryman Juan Martin Del Potro.

The 19-year-old, who advanced with a 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 upset of fourth-seeded German Philipp Kohlschreiber, also is trying to reach the first championship match of his career.