Federer beats Nadal to reach Masters Cup final

SHANGHAI, Nov 18 (Reuters) Roger Federer put world number two Rafael Nadal in his place by beating the Spaniard 6-4 7-5 to reach the final of the Masters Cup for the fourth year in a row today.

The 25-year-old Swiss produced some majestic tennis to get past the man responsible for four of his five defeats in 2006 and will play either Argentine David Nalbandian, who beat him to win the title last year, or American James Blake tomorrow.

Blake, who like Nadal is making his debut in the year-ending tournament for the top eight in the world, meets the defending champion in the second semi-final later today.

Nadal, whose form dipped after he lost to Federer in their previous meeting in the Wimbledon final, put everything he had into the match but was always chasing the world number one after being broken in his first service game.

The Swiss wrapped up the contest with a sublime crosscourt winner from the tightest of angles on his third match point after one hour and 53 minutes to extend his winning streak to 28 games.

Federer's delight in defeating the man who denied him a Grand Slam this year by beating him in the French Open final was clear, and his normally cool demeanour betrayed him as he fell to his knees before punching the air in celebration.

The 2002 and 2003 champion becomes the first man to reach four successive Masters Cup finals since Ivan Lendl reached nine in a row in the 1980s.

Federer started in intimidating style with three aces in his first service game and had a 3-0 lead and a break point in game four before Nadal could get his act together.

The muscular lefthander broke back when Federer's serve fell apart at 5-3 but the Australian, Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion went a set up in the next game when Nadal netted under pressure on three straight points after some lengthy rallies.

The second set was all Federer and he had two match points at 5-4 before claiming his third victory in nine matches against the 20-year-old Spaniard two games later.

REUTERS DH BS2052