Lukas Lacko storms into Zagreb final

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ZAGREB, Croatia -- Lukas Lacko of Slovakia reached his first ATP final when he ousted 2007 champion Marcos Baghdatis 7-5, 7-6 (3) in the Zagreb Indoors semifinals on Saturday.

Lacko, who has played on the main tour since 2007, will face third-seeded Mikhail Youzhny, who is seeking his eighth title in his 18th career final.

Youzhny advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Michael Berrer of Germany.

Lacko has eliminated three seeded players in Zagreb.

He broke Baghdatis for 6-5, then easily closed the first set. Baghdatis responded aggressively and was two points away from a 5-1 lead in the second, but Lacko recovered to draw even, force a tiebreaker and win it.

"It seems my shape from Australia is still here," said Lacko, who lost to Rafael Nadal in the third round of the Australian Open. "I played well in Melbourne and I am satisfied with the level of my game here.

"You always hope you will gain a good result, never thinking that you will lose, but still this is a great result."

Youzhny played well at crucial times against Berrer, who was a finalist here in 2010 and 2011. After winning the first set, Youzhny broke early in the second, but Berrer broke back. Youzhny broke again at 4-4 and went on to complete the victory.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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