Roger Federer seals place in Shanghai Masters semi-finals

Roger Federer has recorded a straight-sets win over Richard Gasquet to earn a place in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.

The world number two is competing in just his third tournament since winning Wimbledon in July, but the 36-year-old continues to defy his age with another appearance in the last four of a Masters Series event.

Federer had his problems with in dealing with Gasquet in the opening set, but a solitary break of serve in the 11th game was enough to move closer to the next round.

Gasquet continued to battle hard in the second - while also making a breakthrough on the Federer serve - but the Swiss was playing with his usual ruthless efficiency and two breaks of his own sealed a 7-5 6-4 triumph.

The victory sets up another encounter with Juan Martin del Potro, who defeated Federer in the quarter-finals of the US Open last month.