Scottsdale, Arizona, Mar 07: Revitalised German Nicolas Kiefer continued a recent run of form, winning his seventh match from his past eight to reach the semi-finals of the 380,000-dollar Franklin Templeton Classic.
The former world number 4 overcame American third seed Robby Ginepri 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) and credited his victory to a fighting streak which has suddenly re-appeared in his game.
The win puts the seventh seed, currently 46th in the world, into his second consecutive semi-final. He lost the final at Memphis two weeks ago to Swede Joachim Johansson.
He was joined in the last eight by Rangy Romanian Victor Hanescu, who reached his first ATP semi-final and claimed his first top 20 scalp through an upset of second seed Martin Verkerk 7-5, 6-4.
Kiefer said that turning his season around after losing his first four matches has been satisfying. He was particularly pleased to get through his quarter-final match in heavy conditions after a day of rainstorms.



''I didn't play my best today, but I won by fighting,'' said the German, holder of six titles, the last in Hong Kong four years ago. ''To play well and win is easy - to play badly and win is big challenge.



''I tried to keep my head up and fight. I didn't feel at all good on court, I was a bit sick thursday. But I'm ok and glad that I won.''



Kiefer struck seven aces and won four of five beak points against his American opponent, ranked 27th, taking one hour, 27 minutes, ''The confidence from Memphis has carried over to this week, but I wouldn't say I'm on a roll. My shots are coming better and better. I'm happy to be getting some form ahead of the start of the Masters Series events.''


Bureau Report