Schuettler storms into semis

COSTA DO SAUIPE, Brazil, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Top-seeded Rainer Schuettler stormed into the semifinals of the Brazil Open Friday with another easy straight-sets victory.

As easy as his 6-1, 6-3 victory over Ramon Delgado was, however, it was his toughest match thus far.

It also gave the Australian Open finalist a measure of revenge, having lost his previous two meetings with the unseeded Delgado.

On Saturday, Schuettler should have a much tougher time as he faces defending champion and local favorite Gustavo Kuerten.

Schuettler's last win came at Shanghai in 2001.

The third-seeded Kuerten won his eighth consecutive match here, dispatching fellow Brazilian Ricardo Mello, 6-2, 6-2.

Argentina's Gaston Etlis reached the semifinals as he upset eighth-seeded Kenneth Carlsen of Denmark, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.

Ellis will play second-seeded Sjeng Schalken, a 7-6 (7-0), 6-2 winner over fifth-seeded Vincent Spadea.