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Djokovic downs Soderling to reach China Open final
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-10-10 14:28

BEIJING: Second seed Novak Djokovic reached the final of the $6.6 million China Open with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Swede Robin Soderling on Saturday.

Djokovic downs Soderling to reach China Open final

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after losing a point against Robin Soderling of Sweden during their semi-final match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing October 10, 2009. [Agencies] Djokovic downs Soderling to reach China Open final

The Serbian, now assured of moving above injured Andy Murray to reclaim the world number three spot, fired six aces and made much fewer errors than the sixth seed in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggested.

The 22-year-old Djokovic grabbed an early break and converted his third set point to go 1-0 up after 37 minutes, then battled back from a break down in the second to reach his eighth final of the season.

Top seed Rafa Nadal of Spain and Croatian Marin Cilic were next up on centre court at the Olympic tennis centre to decide who will meet Djokovic in Sunday's final.