Tennis: Montanes through to semis

Spain's Albert Montanes has advanced to the semi-finals of Auckland's Heineken Open.

He has beaten Swiss qualifier Michael Lammer 6-3, 6-3.

Top seed Tommy Robredo is up next on centre court against American John Isner. The Spaniard used his forehand to good effect in last week's clash with Isner at the Hopman Cup in Perth, winning 7-6 in the third set.

Isner says he will be working on attacking Robredo's backhand - and he is surprised by how much Robredo uses his forehand.

Sixth seed Jurgen Melzer plays Arnaud Clement in the third day match, while Philipp Kohlschreiber meets Marc Giquel tonight.

- NEWSTALK ZB