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INDIA - World number two Rafael Nadal saved four match points to defeat Spanish compatriot Carlos Moya and reach the Chennai Open final on Saturday.
The 21-year-old French Open champion won 6-7 7-6 7-6 after former world number one Moya pushed him to the brink in a thrilling contest between two friends.
Nadal staved off four match points in the second set tiebreak and then rallied from a break down in the decider against the 31-year-old Moya, third seed and ranked 17 in the world. He eventually clinched the final tiebreak 7-1 to end the marathon contest lasting almost four hours.
In Sunday's final, Nadal will continue his build up for this month's Australian Open when he faces Russian fourth seed Mikhail Youzhny, who brushed aside Croatian Marin Cilic 6-2 6-3 in the first semi-final.
"It was one of the most emotional matches of my career," a relieved Nadal told reporters. "It was unbelievable."
"It is great to get off to such a start. It is very good to play in the final at the start of the season."
A dejected Moya said: "I had many chances to win. Against Nadal if you don't take advantage of them, you will lose."
Moya, winner in Chennai in 2004 and 2005, played inspired tennis as he was vociferously backed by an adoring crowd.
He troubled his fellow Mallorcan with deceptive shots, often pinning Nadal to his backhand with deep returns and clever net play.
Nadal, knocked out in the semi-finals last year, began well but Moya bounced back from a break down and saved two set points before clinching the first set tiebreak 7-3.
In the second set, Nadal broke Moya's serve to go 3-2 up and was serving for the set when the former French Open champion broke back in the 10th game to force the tiebreak.
Moya raced to a 6-3 lead to almost clinch the issue but Nadal produced a series of stunning rallies to frustrate Moya on the match points.
Nadal eventually closed the tiebreak 10-8, pumping his fists in celebration.
In the decider, Moya continued to play high quality shots and broke serve in the fifth game but was tiring and the persevering Nadal grabbed his chance to break back in the 10th game.
He then raced through the tiebreak 7-1, falling to the ground in relief and joy after Moya's return sailed long.
- REUTERS
