Safin loses semifinal at Valencia

VALENCIA, Spain, April 15 (UPI) -- Qualifier Nicolas Almagro of Spain beat two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin in three sets Saturday in the semifinals at the Valencia (Spain) Open.

Before a boisterous home crowd, the 20-year-old Almagro, who is ranked 77th in the world, topped Safin, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

It was the second semifinal of his short career -- and when he faces Gilles Simon of France on Sunday, it will be his first title match as a professional. Simon, who is un-seeded, beat No. 7 seed and 2004 champion Fernando Verdasco of Spain, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5).

The 21-year-old Simon, who is ranked 86th in the world, has played in just 25 ATP matches in his career, going 14-11.

Sunday's winner will earn $46,700.