Ferrer reaches Auckland final

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Two-time champion David Ferrer of Spain beat third-seeded compatriot Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals of the Heineken Open after both players won quarterfinals matches earlier Friday.

The top-seeded Ferrer will face Olivier Rochus of Belgium in the finals Saturday. Rochus, ranked 68th, beat eighth-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4.

Rochus will be playing in his second Heineken Open final -- seven years after his first and four days short of his 31st birthday.

Ferrer beat Alejandro Falla of Colombia 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and Verdasco beat doubles partner Guillermo Garica-Lopez 7-5, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. They were forced to souble up on matches because of rain Thursday.