Tennis: Wawrinka, Ancic into semis

Stanislas Wawrinka won in straight sets. Ross Land / Getty Images

Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka advanced into the Heineken Open semifinals with a straight sets win over Florian Mayer of Germany in Auckland today.

The 20-year-old, regarded as the tournament dark horse, won 6-3 6-4.

And, in a surprisingly easy win, fifth seed Mario Ancic of Croatia beat number one seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-0 6-3.

Wawrinka found little trouble after taking a while to settle in both sets today but almost breezed to victory once he found his rhythm.

However, he has a tough assignment ahead as he will now face Ancic in the semifinal tomorrow.

In the other completed match, Jarkko Nieminen of Finland beat Chilean Nicolas Massu 6-3 7-6 (7-4).

Quarterfinals results:
Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) bt Florian Mayer (Germany) 6-3 6-4
7-Jarkko Nieminen (Finland) bt Nicolas Massu (Chile) 6-3 7-6 (7-4)
5-Mario Ancic (Croatia) bt 1-Fernando Gonzalez (Chile) 6-0 6-3


Evening match:
6 Olivier Rochus (Belgium) v 2 David Ferrer (Spain)