Ferrer books semis spot

David Ferrer got his season off to the perfect start as he came from a set down to beat Nikolay Davydenko and reach the semi-finals of the Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

The Spaniard, who only claimed a place in the exhibition event after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to withdraw with a wrist injury, struggled in the opening set as ATP Tour World Finals champion Davydenko prevailed 6-2.

But the world number 17 hit back in impressive fashion as he broke his Russian opponent’s serve in the fifth game of the second set on his way to taking it 6-2.

Davydenko looked well placed to secure victory after he survived three three break points to take a 4-2 lead in the decider. But the world number six crumbled as he lost four straight games, and he was broken to love as Ferrer wrapped up his 2-6 6-2 6-4 victory.

Ferrer will now meet compatriot Rafael Nadal in the last four.