Berdych, Tursunov into Bangkok semis
Berdych, Tursunov into Bangkok semis 
From correspondents in Bangkok, Thailand
Former Australian Captain September 29, 2007
TOMAS Berdych defeated No.7 seed Ivo Karlovic 7-5 6-4 in the Thailand Open quarter-finals last night to remain in the hunt for a second ATP Tour title of the year.
The No.3 seed from the Czech Republic, who played in a Davis Cup victory last over Switzerland weekend, will play Benjamin Becker for a place in the Bangkok final.
Becker, the
world No.71 from Germany, beat good friend and world No.201 Dominik Meffert 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 to reach his third semi-final of the season after Delray Beach and San Jose in February.
Berdych, 22, is the highest seed left in the draw, which lost Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick - all top-five players - to injury pull-outs.
“I have to say it’s yet another match where I played better than in the matches before,” Berdych said.
“The opponent today was tougher than in the previous rounds so I’m pretty happy winning.
“I didn’t get too much rhythm; he’s a great server on first as well as second serve.
“It was a pretty difficult match. Everything worked out and I’m happy to be in the next round.”
Berdych is seeking to add to the Halle title he won on grass in June.
Dmitry Tursunov from Russia meanwhile fired 14 aces to defeat Wang Yeu-tzuoo from Taiwan 4-6 6-2 6-4.
Tursunov, the No.6 seed, will play No.8 seed Fernando Verdasco as he seeks to reach the fourth ATP final of his career.
Verdasco from Spain, nicknamed “Hot Sauce” for his fiery forehand, defeated Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 in their quarter-final.
“It was a tough match and one that I could have lost,” Tursunov said.
“But I got through.”
Verdasco and Mahut, who defeated No.4 seed Tommy Haas, meanwhile produced the longest match of the tournament - 2hr, 23min - before the Spaniard emerged the winner.
Agence France-Presse