Davydenko wins, Simon and Federer left hanging

SHANGHAI: Nikolay Davydenko beat Martin Del Potro 6-3, 6-2 to book the third semifinal spot at the Masters Cup in Shanghai yesterday.

Del Potro, the youngest player in the field and a tournament debutant, gave everything he had in his final group match but the rising Argentine star could not match Davydenko's experience.

World No 5 Davydenko will now make his second appearance in the semifinals in four attempts at the $4.45 million season finale. He also advanced from the group stage in 2005 before crashing out to another Argentine, eventual winner David Nalbandian.