Top-seeded British star Andy Murray will
face Russian Mikhail Youzhny in the final of the $2.98 million Valencia Open
after both men won semifinal matches Saturday.
Murray downed fourth seed Fernando Verdasco of Spain, the 2004 titlist, 6-3,
2-6, 6-3, while Youzhny defeated countryman and second seed Nikolay Davydenko,
3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Youzhny rallied from a set behind to overtake Davydenko in a match that lasted
nearly 2 1/2 hours. Davydenko was the third seeded player Youzhny has taken
down this week, joining No. 3 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and No. 5 Gilles Simon.
This is the fourth final of the year for Youzhny, who captured a tournament in
Moscow two weeks ago. He is 5-6 for his career in title matches.
Murray, the former U.S. Open runner-up, moved to 7-1 all-time against
Verdasco. He's going after his sixth title of the year and 14th of his career.
Sunday's winner will take home $475,000.
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