Tennis: Joao Sousa advances to final

Joao Sousa in action during the ASB Classic. Photo / Greg Bowker

Marcos Baghdatis is out of the ASB Classic, beaten 6-1 7-5 by Joao Sousa.

It was a brilliant display from the Portuguese player, who completely dominated Baghdatis from the start.

He broke the Cypriot three times in the first set, with impressive power and accuracy from the baseline.

Sousa is one of the best movers on the ATP tour, and constantly out manoeuvred his older opponent around the court.

World No 36 Baghdatis tried to come back in the second set - and had chances on the Sousa serve in the latter stages - but couldn't convert.

The former Australian Open finalist also struggled on serve for most of the match, with only 44 per cent of first serves landing.

Sousa then broke Baghdatis, who made a truckload of unforced errors, to get the chance to serve for the match.

He converted his third match point with an ace to seal the match in 72 minutes.​