That's Ferr Play As David Edges It

Apr 20 2008

RED-HOT David Ferrer cruised into the final of the Valencia Open after bouncing back from a set behind to crush Tommy Robredo 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Top-seeded Ferrer will battle it out in today's all-Spanish final with countryman Nicolas Almagro - who is aiming for his third Valencia title after sinking Russia's unseeded Evgeny Korolev 6-1, 6-4.

Ferrer got off to the worst possible start when his service was broken by Robredo in the opening game.

And the 26-year-old looked odds-on to exit the tournament as third-seeded Robredo broke Ferrer's serve in the fifth after a series of unforced errors.

The second set began in similar fashion with Ferrer again failing to make his service count in the opening game.

However, he quickly roared back by breaking back in the second, fourth and eighth games.

Ferrer, ranked fifth in the world, continued to dominate and delivered a killer blow in the third set by racing into a 3-0 lead on his way to booking a place in the final.

Meanwhile, Russia's Maria Kirilenko will today face Czech outsider Iveta Benesova in the final of the Estoril Open in Portugal.

Kirilenko roared back from a set down to beat Czechstar Klara Zakopalova 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Second-seeded Kirilenko was given a run for her money as Zakopalova took her to the 11th game of the final set but finally sealed the win on her fourth match point.

The 21-year-old favourite is up against the 132nd - ranked Benesova after she sailed past Estonia'sMaret Ani 6-2, 6-1.

Benesova made it look easy, breaking Ani's shaky serve six times.

Ani picked up just five of 23 second-serve points and Benesova's onslaught forced the 26-year-old into making seven double faults.

Benesova's win sets up her third straight final.

The 2008 Estoril champion will pick up a cheque for £12,000.