Fernando Gonzalez will meet Tommy Robredo in the final of the China Open on Sunday.
Gonzalez moves towards first title of season
Fernando Gonzalez will meet Tommy Robredo in the final of the China Open on Sunday.
Second seed Gonzalez beat Ivan Ljubicic 2-6 6-3 6-4, while Spaniard Robredo beat Nicolas Kiefer 7-6 7-5 in his semi-final.
World number 11 Robredo has done little since winning on clay in Poland, but eventually edged out wildcard Kiefer in straight-sets.
The third seed led 6-1 in the first set tie-break, and despite a spirited comeback from his German opponent leapt into a 1-0 lead.
And Robredo then saved the match from going into a second tie-break with victory on his first of three match points in the second set.
Tough
Ljubicic broke the world number seven twice to take the first set in his match, and then opened up a 2-0 lead in the second.
But Gonzalez rallied, breaking back immediately to kick-start his fightback against the Croatian.
The 27-year-old found his range and then began to make his passing shots count, grabbing another break to take the match into a decider.
"He's tough to play especially when he's serving well," said Gonzalez.
"I had to be more patient and wait a few more balls for the right opportunity."
Decider
Gonzalez was forced to dig deep again in the third though, after the Croatian broke for 4-3.
The Chilean broke back immediately and two games later a tired-looking Ljubicic hit the net cord with what looked like a simple forehand to give Gonzalez a place in the final.
"I was very tired," Ljubicic said. "I didn't have enough time to recover.
"At 6-2 2-0 I was fine but then I lost energy completely and couldn't play my game."
Gonzalez, who was a finalist at the Australian Open and Rome Masters earlier this year has yet to win a title this season.
He added: "I've been winning here but I think I can play much better.
"I'm really happy to be winning as that will help me to get back to my best."
