Guccione brings down Gasquet in Adelaide

PERTH, Australia, Jan 5 (Reuters) - Australian wildcard Chris Guccione shocked second seed Richard Gasquet 1-6 6-3 7-6 to reach the semi-finals of the Adelaide International today.

The world number 153 recovered from losing the first set in just 18 minutes to send the Frenchman packing with a victory which included a salvo of 22 aces.

''I don't think I've got flustered ever,'' the 21-year-old told reporters after the biggest win of his career.

''That's not what I do, so inside I was a bit annoyed and wanted to change something, but he was just hitting winners from everywhere.

''It was a good sign to serve that well on the big points, most of the break points he had I either hit an ace or came up with a good shot, and in the tiebreak he barely got a look-in on my serve.'' Gasquet was gracious in defeat and said Guccione's big serving had made the difference.

''I fought a lot in this match but he served too good,'' the 20-year-old said.

''He will have a big future for sure. He can be in the top 20 in the world with this serve.'' The win, Guccione's fourth of the week over a top 100 player, booked him a place in the semis against either Russian Igor Kunitsyn or Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina. Their quarter-final was claimed by heavy rain and switched to Saturday.

Top seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia was also put under pressure by American Paul Goldstein before booking his place in the last four 6-4 7-5.

Djokovic must also await the identity of his opponent after the quarter-final between Sweden's Joachim Johansson and American Vince Spadea fell victim to the weather.

REUTERS AY BS1715