Ferrer, Almagro reach Copa Claro semis

Top-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer cruised into the semi-finals of the Copa Claro after disposing of compatriot Albert Ramos in straight sets. The two-time defending champion needed just over an hour to record a 6-1 6-2 victory in Buenos Aires on Friday. Ferrer, who reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open in January, was dominant from the outset in the all-Spanish affair. The 31-year-old won 80 per cent of his first-service points and took advantage of two break point opportunities as he raced away with the opening set. Ramos showed some improvement in the second as he saved two break points, but he could not avoid defeat at the hands of last year's French Open finalist. Ferrer will now meet fellow Spaniard and fourth seed Nicolas Almagro as he continues his bid for a third successive Copa Claro title. Almagro, the 2011 champion, was pushed by eighth-seeded Frenchman Jeremy Chardy but prevailed 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 after an hour and 43 minutes on court. Also on Friday, Italian second seed Fabio Fognini advanced to the semis with a 6-4 6-3 win against Spain's Pablo Andujar. Next up for Fognini, who is aiming to reach a fifth successive clay-court final, is Tommy Robredo. Robredo was the beneficiary of a walkover after sixth-seeded Dutchman Robin Haase retired with the Spaniard leading 6-1 2-0.