TENNIS:Spanish duo David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal booked their places in the semi-finals of the Tennis Masters Cup after recording straight-sets victories in Shanghai yesterday.

Ferrer saw off Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-1 to come through the Gold Group with a perfect 3-0 record in the season-ending tournament that features the top eight players in the world this year.

The result ensured Nadal also made the last four after he beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4.

Ferrer was in dominant form and dropped only two games as he overwhelmed his French opponent in just under an hour, hitting 18 winners as Gasquet managed to win just 31 per cent of his service points in a match that did not feature a single ace.

Nadal spurned five break-points against Djokovic, who also sent down nine aces to the Spaniard's three, but still came out on top after one hour and 44 minutes of an enthralling contest thanks in large part to a strong first serve and saving three of the four break-points he faced.

Nadal needed to win in straight sets against his Serb opponent to make the semi-finals for a second consecutive year.

Meanwhile, the Lawn Tennis Association in Britain are seeking a swift resolution over the future of highly-paid coach Brad Gilbert. British number one Andy Murray yesterday confirmed his parting with the American after a steady deterioration of their personal relationship.

It left the LTA in a difficult situation after their controversial decision to fund the 46-year-old's £750,000 (€1 million) a year wages when he linked up with the Scot last year. As part of his three-year deal Gilbert also took on the role of performance director, which saw him work with other promising British youngsters.

However, it is thought that both parties are now seeking a parting of the ways, with Gilbert - who led both Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to grand slam titles before linking up with Murray - unwilling to accept a lower profile and the LTA keen to get his massive wages off their books.