Fernando Gonzalez's title defence in the men's tournament at the China Open came to a surprising end on Friday.The third-seeded Spaniard was upset 6-3 4-6 6-3 by Germany's Bjorn Phau in the quarter-finals.
The 137th-ranked Phau had been the underdog heading into the match against the world number 11, but managed to pull off his second upset in as many days after beating eighth seed Sam Querrey in Thursday's second-round action.
The 28-year-old is now bidding to reach the first final of his career, but faces a tough semi-final opponent in second seed Andy Roddick.
The American overcame a slow start to oust former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero 2-6 6-3 6-4 in the final match of the day.
Ranked eighth in the world, Roddick has won two titles in 2008 but has also been dogged by a shoulder injury which forced him to miss the French Open.
Also pulling off an upset Friday was Dudi Sela, who came away with a 6-4 6-1 win over 2007 runner-up Tommy Robredo.
The 92nd-ranked Israeli has enjoyed a good week as he reached this stage by picking off top seed David Ferrer in the second round.
Like Phau, the 23-year-old Sela will try to reach his first ATP final on Saturday when he faces seventh-seeded German Rainer Schuettler, a 4-6 6-3 6-4 winner against Richard Gasquet of France.
by espnstar.com/tennis/news
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