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Ferrer edges into Malaysia semis

David Ferrer was forced to work hard for his semi-final spot in Kuala Lumpur © PA Photos

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David Ferrer was pushed all the way by Dutchman Igor Sijsling before eventually booking his spot in the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open.

The world No. 5 and top seed in Kuala Lumpur found himself trailing by a set after Sijsling, who toppled Feliciano Lopez in the previous round, converted his only break point to edge ahead.

The duo traded breaks once more in the second set before the Spaniard finally found a way back into the match, and the pattern repeated itself in the third to leave Ferrer serving for the win.

Sijsling refused to give up without a fight, however, bringing up break point as Ferrer wobbled, but the top seed held on to move through to the final four and claim his ATP Tour-leading 62nd win of the season. Ferrer won 4-6 6-3 6-4.

Kei Nishikori was gifted a place in the semi-finals after Nikolay Davydenko pulled out with an adductor strain after losing the first set.

"I feel I played well today, better then yesterday," said the Japanese 23-year old after winning a tight set 6-4. "It was a great game, I'm sorry he had to quit."

Up next for Nishikori is Juan Monaco , who downed Canada's Vasek Popisil 6-3 6-4. The Argentine did not offer up a single break en route to victory, while Ferrer will face Julien Benneteau of France, who defeated Colombia's Alejandro Falla 6-2 6-2.

At the Thailand Open, top seed Janko Tipsarevic saw off Fernando Verdasco 7-6 6-4 to set up a semi-final clash with Gilles Simon, who ended compatriot Gael Monfils' comeback run 6-4 6-1.

Fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet will face Jarkko Niemenen in the second semi-final in Bangkok after the Finn beat Milos Raonic 6-3 7-6. Gasquet beat Australia's Bernard Tomic 7-6 6-4.

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