Kuala Lumpur - Top seed Nikolay Davydenko streaked to his 40th win of the season at the expense of Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 Friday to move into the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open. The Russian, who owns two clay titles in 2009, will face off Saturday against French Open finalist Robin Soderling after the Swede dispatched Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych 6-2, 6-2.
"I played better today than in my first round. I hope I can get better in every match," said Davydenko.
Davydenko couldn't manage an ace but did break the exhausted Monfils four times.
The 13th-ranked French player had sprinted to Asia after winning his second career title last weekend at home in Metz, arriving late and forced onto court within hours of touching down.
Tournament number two Fernando Verdasco of Spain, avoiding foot surgery until the end of a long season, put down Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-5, 6-4
Fourth seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile completed the leading quartet into the semis, ousting Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-4.
Gonzalez never faced a break point. "It was a good match for me," he said. "I served really well and was moving a lot better than yesterday. I had many break chances in the second (set) and didn't convert but overall I am happy with the match."
Gonzalez is looking for a 23rd career ATP final, and goes for it against Verdasco.
Soderling, who lost to Roger Federer for the Roland Garros title, is keen to face off with Davydenko, eighth in the world.
"Every match is a new match," said the Swede. "I have had tough matches with Nikolay. He is in good form, I'll have to play as well as I played today."
Soderling powered through over Berdych in just 64 minutes with five aces and four breaks of serve.
