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Federer goes two sets up in Masters final

Posted on: Sunday, 20 November 2005, 06:06 CST

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Roger Federer inched toward a third successive season-ending Masters Cup title when he took a two-set lead over David Nalbandian in the final on Sunday.

The world's top-ranked player won the second tiebreak of the match 13-11 to claim a 7-6, 7-6 lead.

Federer, playing his 85th match of the year, is one set away from matching John McEnroe's professional-era record for a season tally of 82-3 set in 1984.

Only Ilie Nastase (1971-73) and Ivan Lendl (1985-87) have won three in a row at the season-ending extravaganza.

After taking a tight opening set, Federer looked to be in command when he eased into a 4-2 lead in the second. But a lapse in concentration allowed his Argentine opponent to hit back.

Nalbandian, the first Argentine to reach the final since Guillermo Vilas won the tournament in 1974, clawed his way back to lead 5-4 and it was left to Federer to force the tiebreak.

Nalbandian took the early advantage in the tiebreak, streaking into a 4-1 and 5-2 lead with a flurry of drop-shots.

But Federer reeled him in, winning it on his fourth set point having saved three of his own.

Source: REUTERS

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