Murray advances into maiden Paris semi-final

Thursday, 2 June 2011 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters) - Andy Murray played with fire before overcoming Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela 7-6 7-5 6-2 to reach the French Open semi-finals for the first time on Wednesday.

The fourth-seeded Briton, who had twisted his ankle in his fourth-round match, recovered from two breaks down in the opener to win the tiebreak 7-2 and blew a 5-2 lead in the second before getting his act together.

The Scot, who has never won a grand slam title, was more consistent in the third set and sealed the win with a delicate drop shot.

Murray will have to improve significantly to stand a chance of booking a place in the final because he now faces world number one Rafa Nadal on Friday after the five-times champion beat Swede Robin Soderling 6-4 6-1 7-6.