Rafael Nadal has moved a step closer to the China Open title with a straight-sets win over John Isner in the quarter-finals.
The world number one is looking to remain at the top of the world rankings ahead of November's ATP Tour Finals, and the Spaniard is now just two matches away from lifting the title in Beijing.
Nadal went into the contest having never suffered defeat to the big-serving Isner but as expected, it was a fiercely competitive clash with just one break of serve occurring during the clash.
That came in the opener as Nadal moved into a lead, and although Isner had numerous chances to strike in the second, the American could not take his opportunity and the French and US champion was eventually able to come through by a 6-4 7-6 scoreline.
Nadal will now play Grigor Dimitrov in the last four, with the Bulgarian getting the better of Roberto Bautista Agut.
Darren Plant
