Fish, Korolev advance at Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., March 1 (UPI) -- American Mardy Fish and Russian Evgeny Korolev won their semifinal matches Saturday at the Delray Beach (Fla.) International Tennis Championships.

Fish, the top seed, needed just 77 minutes to trounce France's Jeremy Chardy, the seventh seed, 6-4, 6-1.

"I thought I played one of the better matches of the year for sure and that kid could play, there's no doubt about that," said Fish, who has not dropped a set at this tournament.

Korolev advanced to his first ever final on the men's tennis tour by beating Belgium's Christophe Rochus 6-1, 7-5.

"I am very happy to reach my first ATP World Tour final, finally," said Korolev.

Fish, 27, and Korolev, 21, have never faced each other.

Sunday's winner will pocket a $79,000 first prize.