Haase humbles Rublev as Cecchinato charges on

Robin Haase defeated defending champion Andrey Rublev to book his place in the semifinals of the Croatia Open Umag.

Robin Haase ended Andrey Rublev's reign at the Croatia Open Umag to move a step closer to his first ATP Tour title since 2012.

Sixth seed Haase saved six of the seven break points he faced against the defending champion as he triumphed 6-3 7-6 (8-6) in a quarterfinal tie that lasted one hour and 37 minutes.

The world number 38 will next face Guido Pella, who ousted Serbian Dusan Lajovic 7-6 (7-3) 7-5.

In the other half of the draw, surprise French Open semifinalist Marco Cecchinato reached the last four with a routine 6-4 6-1 victory over Laslo Djere in the final match of the day.

His reward is a clash with Marco Trungelliti - conqueror of Evgeny Donskoy in straight sets - on Saturday as the Italian bids to win his second title of the 2018 season.