Ferrer through to semis in Shanghai

David Ferrer qualified for the semi-finals of the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai on Thursday after thrashing Richard Gasquet.

Ferrer, whose victory also qualified countryman Rafael Nadal, romped to a 6-1 6-1 victory against the young Frenchman, who was eliminated from the Gold Group alongside Novak Djokovic.

Earlier on Thursday, Nadal beat Djokovic 6-4 6-4 to improve his record in the pool to 2-1.

Ferrer, who finished with a 3-0 record, was broken in the opening game but then overcame Gasquet by reeling off eight straight games.

The second set was just as one-sided as the Spaniard dominated from the back of the court.