Darcis continues strong Dutch Open play

AMERSFOORT, Netherlands, July 18 (UPI) -- Defending champion Steve Darcis collected a straight-set win Friday and advanced to the semifinals of the Dutch Open in the Netherlands.

Darcis collected the first ATP title of his career at the 2007 Dutch Open and has played well this week in returning to the Netherlands. The No. 3-seeded player defeated Christophe Rochus 7-5, 6-3 in quarterfinal play Friday.

He goes against top-seeded Marc Gicquel in Saturday's semifinals. Gicquel routed Teimuraz Gabashvili, 6-4, 6-1, on Friday.

No. 5-seeded Albert Montanes upset second-seeded Jose Acasuso in a lop-sided 6-0, 6-2 win to earn a spot in the other semifinal. He will meet Oscar Hernandez, who also advanced in an upset, beating fourth-seeded Marcel Granollers, 7-5, 6-2.

Saturday's semifinals winners will meet Sunday for the tournament title and $86,000.