Mikhail Youzhny To Face Igor Andreev

Igor Andreev will face Mikhail Youzhny in the semi finals of the Malaysian Open as they both came through their quarter final matches.

Andreev had seen off defending champion Nikolay Davydenko earlier in the week but needed three sets to get past teenager Milos Raonic.

The more experienced Andreev looked in control in the first set as he took the first set in commanding fashion 6-1.

But the Canadian youngster hit back in the second set, however he was held to just six aces in the match after getting into double figures in his opening two matches.

Into the decider and it was experience that told in the end as Andreev held his nerve for a 6-1 3-6 6-3 win and a clash with Youzhny.

Speaking to ABC Sport Andreev said: "It was a very tough match.

"He's got a lot of potential. I'm happy with how I played today, I was able to use my chances and earn the win.

"It's been a long time since I've played a semi-final (February 14 on clay in Brazil). It's great to play well again and win some matches.

"It gives you confidence and a great feeling."

Mikhail Youzhny was facing the in form Marcos Baghdatis and had to fight back from a set and a break down to win in three sets.

The opening set was a close affair and a tie break was needed to separate the pair, a break that Baghdatis took 7-5.

Baghdatis hit again in the second as he broke to lead 4-2 and it looked like the fourth seed was on his way out of the tournament.

But Youzhny dug deep and fought back to get the set back on serve, before breaking again to take it 7-5.

But it was all one way traffic from the Russian in the third as he broke twice while never giving Baghdatis a sniff at a break point opportunity.

He wrapped up the win 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-1 in two hours and forty minutes.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw