Tennis: Rochus dumps out Coria

Unseeded Olivier Rochus spoiled Guillermo Coria's 23rd birthday celebrations by knocking the Argentinian out of the Heineken Open on Thursday. Diminutive Belgian Rochus overcame top seed Coria 6-4 6-4 to advance to the last four in Auckland. Coria, who may have been worn down by some tough early matches here, won two titles in 2004, when he went 39-14. But he fell to 0-2 lifetime against Rochus. Rochus, who has won six of seven matches in 2005, advances to face Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic.

Hernych, who ousted seventh seed Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain in the opening round, beat Jose Acasuso of Argentina in the quarter-finals 6-4 7-5. Also reaching the semis was Chile's Fernando Gonzalez, who knocked out American Robby Ginepri 6-3 6-4. Gonzalez, the fifth seed, survived a tough opening match against American James Blake before ousting Mariano Zabaleta of Argentina in the second round.

He will face sixth seed Juan Ignacio Chela, who overcame Potito Starace of Italy 6-1 7-6 (7/5). Chela is seeking his fourth career title and second in as many years. The two have met five times with Gonzalez winning the last three meetings.

Sportinglife