Tomic advances in Kooyong Classic

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Bernard Tomic moved into the final of the Kooyong exhibition tournament with a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2) win over Frenchman Gael Monfils on Thursday that will boost his confidence ahead of the Australian Open next week.

The Australian teenager beat No. 7-ranked Tomas Berdych in his opening match and then controlled the first and third sets against Monfils in his second match at the invitational tournament. He'll next meet the winner of Friday's semifinal between American Mardy Fish and Austria's Jurgen Melzer.

No. 6-ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lost 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 to Japan's Kei Nishikori, a late inclusion after Milos Raonic of Thornhill, Ont., withdrew due to a stomach complaint after losing his opening match.

Tsonga, who won the Qatar Open against a strong field last week, lost both his matches at Kooyong.

American Andy Roddick beat Berdych 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the late match after losing to Monfils on Wednesday.