Second-seeded Rafael Nadal from Spain set up dream clash against world number one Roger Federer in semifinals as he battled off Russia's third seed Nikolay Davydenkoin full sets in Shanghai at the Masters Cup on Friday to grab the sole spot of the last four.

While in the other match of the group, American James Blake, who had secured the semifinal berth after beating Nadal and Davydenko in the first two round robin matches, lost to Spaniard Tommy Robredo 6-2, 3-6, and 7-5, but still advanced as the group winner. He will play David Nalbandian from Argentine on Saturday.

The match between Nadal and Davydenko took two hours and 44 minutes as much younger Nadal pounded exhausted Davydenko 5-7, 6-4,6-4 in their first career encounter.

"I kept good concentration, moved good and hit the line good, but then I felt tired (in the second set), so made more mistakes," said Davydenko.

"Nadal is young, he ran fast and played good topspin. I started to lose in my serve. So was the third set."

In the first set, Nadal made three double faults, the last of which cost him the set when Davendenko was leading 6-5.

Davydenko lost the first game of the second set and the duo both held serve firmly. It was soon only a matter of time before Nadal took the set and the third both at 6-4.

"Maybe Roger is playing at his best level. He is in his best performance in his life, so we will see tomorrow. Tomorrow is gonna be a very difficult match, nice match maybe," said Nadal, who had a 4-1 record this season against the Swiss and just lost twice in the eight previous meetings.

On Saturday's doubles semifinals, Fourth seeds Paul Hanley from Australia and Kevin Ullyett of Zimbabwe will play third-seeded Mark Knowles from Bahamas and Daniel Nestor of Canada. Up coming for sixth-seeded Czech Martin Damm and Indian Leander Paes will be Second-seeded Jonas Bjorkman from Sweden and Max Mirnyi of Belarus.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2006)