Gicquel stuns Grosjean in Lyon

LYON, Oct 27 (Reuters) Marc Gicquel reached the semi-final of the Lyon International today after defeating Sebastien Grosjean 7-5 1-6 7-6 in an all-French contest.

Sixth-seed Grosjean served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but the 61st-ranked Gicquel broke his serve.

Having squandered a match point at 6-5, Gicquel produced a service winner to seal victory in the tiebreak on his fifth attempt.

"It's my best performance since I reached the fourth round of the US Open," he said.

The 29-year-old Frenchman will next face Belgian seventh seed Xavier Malisse, who beat American Robby Ginepri 6-4 6-3.

"I like this arena, I like the surface because it's not too fast," said the Belgian.

Frenchmen Arnaud Clement and Richard Gasquet were scheduled to play in the evening session.

REUTERS PB HT2320