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Davydenko halts Murray's run
06/03/2008 18:04 - (SA)
Alfred Montesquiou
Dubai - Nikolay Davydenko beat Andy Murray of Britain 7-5 6-4 on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Murray, who upset top-ranked Roger Federer in the first round, was forced out of his defensive game by the fifth-ranked Russian's hard serves and quick moves on the baseline.
"I played well," said Davydenko, who trailed 3-0 in the second set. "If you are crazy, you can lose your match. If you are concentrated you can win every game."
Murray opened the tournament by extending Federer's losing streak to two matches. The British player also improved his record against the 12-time Grand Slam champion to 2-1.
"I'm not terribly disappointed with the week as a whole," Murray said.
Feliciano Lopez also advanced to the semi-finals, beating fourth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain 6-4 6-3.
Lopez used a powerful serve throughout the match, finishing Ferrer off with an ace.
"You give your best always," the 41st-ranked Spaniard said. "Right now, I'm so happy to be in semi-finals."
Second-ranked Rafael Nadal plays Andy Roddick in another quarter-final match later Thursday, while Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faces Igor Andreev.
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Rugby
