Davydenko takes upset win over Ferrer

DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Unseeded Nikolay Davydenko handily defeated top-seed and world No. 5 David Ferrer Friday in semifinal play of the Qatar Exxon Mobil Open tennis tournament.

Davydenko lost only six points on serve in a 6-2, 6-3 romp. He won 84 percent of the points when serving and nearly half (27-of-56) off Ferrer's serve.

Davydenko grabbed control of the match early, posting two first-set breaks while winning 16-of-18 points on serve.

No. 2-seeded Richard Gasquet earned the other spot in Saturday's finals, beating qualifier Daniel Brands 7-5, 7-5. Gasquet took 74 percent of the points when serving and saved all three of the break points he faced.

Late breaks in each set allowed Gasquet to advance to his19th ATP title match. He is 7-10 in previous championship matches. Davydenko is 21-6 in finals but Saturday will mark his first title match since May 2011. Gasquet has a 3-2 edge in matches against Davydenko.

The tournament champion collects $180,600, with $95,130 going to the runner-up. The semifinal appearances were worth $51,530 to both Ferrer and Brand.