Ferrer moves into final after Verdasco collapse

DAVID Ferrer took advantage of Fernando Verdasco's spectacular capitulation to beat his fellow Spaniard 7-5, 6-3 yesterday and reach the final of the Rome Masters.

Verdasco produced some glorious shots to race 5-1 ahead. But his concentration snapped and he lost the next eight games to go a set and 2-0 down in the second, which Ferrer took 6-3.

Rafael Nadal stayed on course for a fifth Rome title but he was pushed all the way in his semi, beating Ernests Gulbis 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.