Schuettler reaches final
Workaholic Rainer Schuettler of Germany battled past Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-3 3-6 7-5 in the Lyon Grand Prix on Saturday to reach his second final in successive weeks. Champion in Tokyo last week, Schuettler outlasted his Russian opponent after Youzhny had come within two points of victory in the final set.
In the second semi-final, France's Arnaud Clement meets Thailand's third seed Paradorn Srichaphan later on Saturday.
"Experience made the difference in the end. I was really tired but he was under more ressure than me because this meant more to him than to me," said Schuettler.
Runner-up at the Australian Open in January, Schuettler realised one of his dreams earlier this week in Lyon by becoming the fourth German to qualify for the season-ending Masters Cup.
He looked on a roll in the first set but suddenly faltered in the second when his right foot started aching and he was unable to run down Youzhny's shots.
One break was enough for the Russian to win the second set and he took Schuettler's serve once more in the third as the top seed seemed to have run out of steam.
Youzhny served for the match at 5-4 and led 30-15. But Schuettler picked himself up and while the Russian lost his nerve, went on to win the last three games.
Reuters - 11/10/2003
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