Tennis: Federer bows out in semi

OEIRAS, Portugal - Roger Federer was knocked out of the Estoril Open semifinals 6-2 7-6 (5) by defending champion Albert Montanes of Spain today.

Fourth-seeded Montanes will meet Frederico Gil, who became the first Portuguese to reach the final after he upset fifth-seeded Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 6-2 5-7 6-3.

Unseeded Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia triumphed in the women's final, overcoming Arantxa Parra Santonja of Spain 6-2 7-5 for her first career title.

Top-ranked Federer made 48 unforced errors against Montanes, mostly on his backhand. He was more consistent in the second set amid damp conditions following heavy rain, but he blew a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker. Montanes won the last five points to oust the world No 1.

Federer came to Estoril for the first time to get more matches on clay in preparation for the defence of his French Open title this month.

But after losing his opener at Rome, he won only twice in Estoril before running into Montanes.

- AP