Nadal, Ferrer reach Masters Cup semis

(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

SHANGHAI, China (AP) Two days after beating good friend Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer gave him a gift: a spot in the Masters Cup semifinals.

Ferrer, a Spaniard ranked No. 6, overwhelmed No. 8 Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-1 Thursday to win the Gold Group and clinch a semifinal berth. Gasquet was eliminated from the season-ending tournament, and the result allowed No. 2 Nadal to advance as well. Earlier, Nadal defeated No. 3 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4.

"We are happy for that because he's Spanish," said Ferrer, a U.S. Open semifinalist who is guaranteed his biggest paycheck.

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