Nalbandian avoids upset in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- No. 1 seed David Nalbandian stayed alive in the Copa Telmex Friday by rallying past Potito Starace and earning a berth in the semifinals in Buenos Aires.

Nalbandian came from a set down and waited out a long rain delay in the second set to defeat Starace 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. He will face Juan Ignacio Chela, who advanced when Nicolas Almagro had to retire in the second set.

The other quarterfinals saw Jose Acasuso eliminate Igor Andreev 3-6, 6-1, 6-3, and Filippo Volandri get past Agustin Calleri 6-4, 6-4.