The former champion Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany has become the first player into the Heineken tennis Open semi-finals in Auckland.
Kohlschreiber beat the second seeded Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in straight sets, 7-6 6-4.
Kohlschreiber had already survived two three-setters and this match also looked set to go the distance, until Almagro double faulted on Kohlschreiber's second break point of the match.
Philipp Kohlschreiber now plays Olivier Rochus of Belgium in the semi-finals, after Rochus ended the French qualifier Benoit Paire's impressive run in an epic three-setter that was delayed for about two and a half hours by the rain.
