Classy Ferrero sinks Novak

Ferrero was inconsistent but showed glimpses of class

Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Jiri Novak 7-5 6-3
Roger Federer beat Thomas Johansson 6-3 7-5

Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero set up a Masters Cup semi-final with compatriot Carlos Moya after a comfortable win over Jiri Novak.

In a game littered with unforced errors, Ferrero's class finally shone through as he produced a dominant second-set display.

Both players started the match nervously, knowing a win for either would send them into the last four.

All the action as it happened

In a set which produced four breaks of serve, Ferrero made the vital fifth brea at 5-6 by producing two fabulous backhand passing shots.

Novak struggled to cope with Ferrero's pace

He followed up by winning the longest rally of the match with a searing forehand that clinched the set.

Match pictures from Shanghai

The second set was a much more one-sided affair.

Novak struggled to hold his serve from the start and it came as no surprise when Ferrero broke in the fourth game.

The Spaniard then began to produce his best tennis of the match as Novak failed to cope with Ferrero's power and breathtaking speed.

The spirited Czech managed to up his own game towards the end as the match became a much better spectacle.

But Ferrero saved his best until the final game. A scorching cross-court forehand and an exquisite drop-shot wrapped up the match and booked his place in the semi-finals.

In the final match of the day in Shanghai, Thomas Johansson took part in the event for the first time.

The Australian Open champion stepped in to play Roger Federer after Andre Agassi, who could not qualify for the semi-finals, withdrew with a hip injury.

But the Swede could not prevent Federer ensuring he topped the group with a 100% record.

Federer always looked in control of a good-natured match and eased to a comfortable 6-3 7-5 win.