Andy Murray is two wins away from clinching his second title in Asia this season, but will have to overcome world number one Novak Djokovic to get to the final of the China Open.
The Scotsman, who won the Shenzhen Open last week, has secured a place in the final four after beating Marin Cilic 6-1 6-4 in Beijing.
Murray came close to breaking Cilic's serve at the first time of asking, but his opponent managed to save three break points to stay in control.
Despite failing to take an early edge, Murray stormed through the opening set by breaking three times to take a one-set lead on the hard court.
Cilic resumed focus in the second set as games went by way of serve and he was the closer to grabbing the first break point of the set.
However, it was Murray who snatched the advantage with a break of his own to win the contest and set up a final-four clash against Djokovic.
Danielle Joynson
