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Federer eases into Halle last four


HALLE, Germany -- World number one Roger Federer breezed into the Halle Open semi-finals with a 6-3 6-4 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Top seed Federer, aiming for his third consecutive win at the pre-Wimbledon event, was much too strong for the unseeded German in match lasting just over an hour.

"I played tough and consistent and when I needed to serve well I did that too," said Federer.

"I thought today was a solid performance and exactly what I needed against a player like him," he added.

The 23-year-old Swiss is also going for a third successive Wimbledon title at the All England Club in London starting on June 20.

"I really have the feeling that every match I'm playing on the grass now I'm getting to focus just that extra bit every time I step out again so I'm really happy," Federer said.

The 21-year-old Kohlschreiber, who failed to convert several break points, said the Swiss, who came within two points of defeat against Robin Soderling in the first round, was not invincible on grass.

"You can see he is beatable," Kohlschreiber said. "I think at some point the time will come when he loses."

Federer will play former Tommy Haas in the semis after the German beat former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2 7-5.

Haas, 27, had never beaten the Spaniard in three previous matches, all on clay, but played aggressively in front of his home fans to keep the pressure on the former French Open champion.

"I try my best all the time but Tommy plays really good here and on this kind of court," Ferrero said.

"I was a little bit tired from yesterday because the match was very long and I did not have much time to recover."

The pair were joined in the last four by second seed Marat Safin, who beat Olivier Rochus of Belgium 6-4 7-6.

Russian Safin came through his match despite a troublesome knee injury which is clouding his Wimbledon preparations.

"I think it will be okay," said Safin. "I hope the doctor will help me out because it's quite sore. We'll see."

Safin's last four opponent is Guillermo Canas of Argentina, who ousted local favorite Rainer Schuettler 6-4 6-4.



Reuters contributed to this report.

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