Henman sets up final chance

Henman will play Gustavo Kuerten in the semi-final

Tim Henman is through to the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters after victory over Jan-Michael Gambill.

The British number one fought back from a set down to win 4-6 6-2 6-2.

It is Henman's first victory over the American in four meetings and he will now face Gustavo Kuerten for a place in the final.

The seventh seed knocked out the Brazilian at the same stage last year before going on to lose against Thomas Enqvist in the final.

I was really pleased with the way I played and the strategy that I applied

  Tim Henman

Henman applied pressure as soon as the match got under way and had five break points in the first game, which lasted 12 minutes.

But he could not convert any of them and was made to pay in the 10th game when he double-faulted to concede the first set 6-4.

Immediate fightback

But the Briton reacted by racing into a 4-0 lead in the second set.

Gambill rallied briefly, but Henman took the set 6-2 to level the match.

The American began the third set with two consecutive double faults and was given a code violation for belting the ball out of the stadium.

Henman broke and then secured a double break to go 3-0 up.

Despite Gambill breaking back in the next game, Henman broke again and secured the set 6-2 to move into the semi-finals.

Henman said he was very satisfied with his performance.

"I served very consistently and did not give them a lot of pace.

"I did give him a lot a pace to work with from the baseline and it certainly paid off."