Kuerten books place in final

Gustavo Kuerten marched into final of the Brazil Open after beating Ramon Delgado 6-4 6-7 6-3.

The Brazilian came out firing, breaking Delgado's service in the first game and taking the second to love.

Delgado, of Paraguay, gained in confidence in the second set as both players broke service twice.

After failing to convert two set points in the 11th game, Delgado kept his cool to win the tiebreaker 7-2.

Kuerten, who racked up 25 aces, broke in the fourth game of the deciding set and closed out the match.

The sixth-seed now faces Guillermo Coria of Argentina, who beat American Cecil Mamiit 7-5, 6-2.

Unseeded Coria has not lost a set in the tournament and is keen to play against Kuerten on his home turf.

He said: "He's beaten me twice, in Monte Carlo and Roland Garros. But now it will be different. I am more confident, more experienced and I have to play my usual game, fighting and chasing every ball."