Ferrer makes it to semifinals in Spain

VALENCIA, Spain, April 18 (UPI) -- Top-seeded David Ferrer captured his quarterfinal match Friday at the Valencia Open in Valencia, Spain.

Ferrer, who was the runner-up in this tournament three years ago, fought off Fernando Verdasco on the clay court surface 6-3, 1-6, 7-5. Verdasco could not convert on two match-point opportunities.

Tommy Robredo will meet Ferrer in the semifinals after advancing past Potito Starace. Robredo had a 6-3, 3-0 lead when Starace retired with an injury to his right hip.

The other semifinal Saturday will send two-time defending champion Nicolas Almagro against Evgeny Korolev.

Almagro won his 13th straight match in Valencia by defeating No. 2 seed Juan Monaco 6-3, 6-2. Korolev was a 7-5, 6-4 winner over Robin Haase.