Florian Mayer sees off Victor Hanescu to reach last four

Florian Mayer has defeated Victor Hanescu to reach the semi-finals of the Qatar Open in Doha.

The German had knocked out Andy Murray in the second round, and started the match strongly, winning the first set 6-4.

Hanescu hit back in the second set and with Mayer serving for the match at 5-4, he managed to force a tie-break that he eventually won 10-8.

In the third set, Mayer held his nerve to see off his opponent and win 6-4 after two hours and 10 minutes of play, which booked his place in the last four.

Mayer will face the winner of the quarter-final between Gael Monfils and Daniel Brands.