Ferrer beats Almagro to reach Valencia Open final

Spain’s David Ferrer in action. AP

VALENCIA, Spain  — Defending champion David Ferrer beat former winner Nicolas Almagro 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the Valencia Open final on Saturday.

Ferrer will play Mikhail Youzhny on Sunday after he defeated Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, 6-4 in an all-Russian semifinal.

“Youzhny is a good player,” Ferrer said. “He has a good backhand and also slices the ball very well. It will be a close final.”

World No. 3 Ferrer saved the only break chance Almagro had on the indoor hard court while taking three of six break opportunities as he improved to 14-0 against the fellow Spaniard.

Besides last year, Ferrer won the event in 2010 and beat Almagro in the 2008 final, ending the latter’s two-year title run.

It will be Ferrer’s eighth final of the season. He has lost five straight after winning at Auckland and Buenos Aires.

Youzhny served seven aces en route to the victory that gives him a chance at adding to his nine career titles.

“I served well and I’m happy to be back in the final,” Youzhny said.