Benneteau march into Malaysian Open final

KUALA LUMPUR: Frenchman Julien Benneteau marched into the the finals of the Malaysian Open on Saturday.

The fifth seed defeated second seeded Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 6-3 to meet Joao Sousa in the final on Sunday.

The world No. 77 from Portugal, who upset top seed David Ferrer in straight sets on Friday, ousted Austrian fourth seed Jurgen Melzer 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to reach his first ATP final.

Benneteau has vowed to spoil Melzer's victory party. The Frenchman, who has reached eight finals previously, is still waiting to win his first title.

Benneteau, who reached his second consecutive Malaysian Open final, said he hopes to end his jinx when he meets Sousa after reaching the final without dropping a set.

When asked about compatriot Cedric Pioline, who lost his first nine finals, Benneteau joke: "Hopefully I won't have to wait that long!

"There is no added pressure on me to win the title despite losing the others. I am determined to win here as that has been the goal since day one." (AFP)