Monfils the event's eight seed, topped Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), while Petzschner rallied to beat 2004 champion Feliciano Lopez of Spain 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

After blowing a 40-0 lead while serving for the match at 6-5 in the third set, Monfils quickly established control in the tiebreaker by capturing the first four points. Petzschner squandered three break points in the first set, but can avenge a quarterfinal loss to Monfils at the Thailand Open in Bangkok two weeks ago.

Sunday's Monfils-Petzschner winner will earn a $185,000 champion's check.

Before this tournament, Petzschner's singles record was just 5-8 this season.