Verkerk to play for first title

MILAN, Italy, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Unseeded Dutchman Martin Verkerk reached the finals for the first time in his career Saturday, outlasting Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic at the Milan Indoors.

Verkerk will face veteran Yvegeny Kafelnikov of Russia in the championship match. Kafelnikov, the fifth seed, advanced Saturday with a 7-6 (10-8), 6-3 win over Jarkko Nieminen of Finland.

A 24-year-old who entered the week with a career mark of 9-17 in ATP Tour singles action, Verkerk was appearing in his first semifinal. He began the tournament 78th in the ATP Champions Race.

Kafelnikov played in his 867th career match on tour Saturday and advanced to his 46th final. He has 26 titles but is winless since 2001.