Norman defeats gutsy Safin

Magnus Norman: Two wins away from glory

Magnus Norman overcame a determined challenge from big Russian Marat Safin to reach the semi-finals of the men's singles at the French Open in Paris.

Norman, who is hoping to become the first Swedish winner of the tournament in 12 years, recovered from losing the opening three games to see off his opponent 6-4 6-3 4-6 7-5 with a gutsy display.

He is now just two wins away from proving he is the number one clay court player in the world.

The third-seeded Scandinavian dropped his first set of the tournament against Safin but still had enough mental strength to bounce back.

Norman has now booked his second Grand Slam semi-final appearance of his career after making the last four at the Australian Open in January.

The Swede now plays Argentina's Franco Squillari, who earlier moved a step closer to becoming only his country's second men's singles champion at Roland Garros when he beat Albert Costa of Spain.