Vasek Pospisil beat German qualifier Daniel Brands 6-3, 6-3 on Friday to set up a Valencia Open semi-final against Joao Sousa of Portugal.
The big-serving Canadian broke to go 4-2 up in the first set and then again in the third and last games of the second. Sousa beat Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-4, 6-4, saving all five break points he faced.
Pospisil is looking to reach his second career ATP tour final and said: “I will just go out there and play it point by point, like I have been, and we’ll see if I can reach the final.”
Photo: AP
Also, Steve Johnson of the US defeated sixth-seeded Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-5, 6-4.
The Californian came into the match having beaten the Spaniard at Roland Garros in their only previous meeting.
Although Johnson dropped serve in the third game, he broke back immediately and got the decisive break with Garcia-Lopez serving at 5-6 down. Johnson closed out the opener on his third set point with a forehand up the line for a clean winner.
After failing to take advantage of a break point at 4-4 in the second set, Garcia-Lopez served to stay in the match.
Johnson raised his game another notch, setting up two match points with a running forehand winner, and then closed out the match with an impressive backhand lob.
“Today I won the big points and I’m fortunate to go through,” said Johnson, who fired down nine aces.
Johnson next meets the only remaining seeded player, Roberto Bautista Agut, who defeated German qualifier Mischa Zverev 6-4, 6-3.
“I’m just enjoying the last matches and not thinking about if I’m seeded or not,” the seventh-seeded Spaniard said.
He fought off two break points in the opening game and then converted his only break point opportunity with Zverev serving at 4-5, clinching the set with a backhand volley winner.
After two breaks were exchanged early in the second set, Bautista Agut took control of the match, breaking the weary Zverev for 4-2, and fighting back from 0-40 to seal victory in straight sets.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely