Qualifier makes it to Barcelona semifinals

BARCELONA, Spain, April 30 (UPI) -- Belgian qualifier Kristof Vliegen defeated third-seeded David Nalbandian of Argentina Friday to move into the semifinals at the Open Seat Godo in Spain.

Vliegen, the first qualifier to reach the semis in the claycourt tournament in seven years, won 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 and will meet the No. 8 seed, Tommy Robredo of Barcelona. Robredo topped No. 5 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-2) in a lengthy match that was interrupted by rain.

"It's great to play at home and I got great crowd support today. I'm quite tired as it was very tough match but hopefully I can recover for the semifinals," Robredo said.

In the other semifinal, No. 13 Gaston Gaudio of Argentina meets Albert Montanes, a Spanish wild card.

Gaudio won over Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, who retired in the third set with a groin injury. Montanes ousted seventh-seeded Agustin Calleri of Argentina 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.