Federer zaps Zverev to reach semifinals

Swiss ace shows he's still a cut above new breed

LONDON - Roger Federer kept upstart Alexander Zverev at bay in a gripping contest on Tuesday to reach the final four of the ATP Finals and stay on course for a seventh end-of-season crown.

The world No 2 saw off a spirited challenge from the much-hyped 20-year-old German 7-6 (6), 5-7, 6-1 in front of a boisterous pro-Federer crowd to become the first to reach the semifinals at O2 Arena.