Nadal storms into Rome final

World No 1 Rafael Nadal cruised into the Rome Masters final thanks to a 7-5 6-1 win over France's Richard Gasquet on Saturday.



The Spaniard had to work for 94 minutes and save four break points in the first set, but a late break in that gave him the upper hand and he never looked back, winning two thirds of points in the second.

Sharapova shines
Meanwhile, former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova defeated World No 1 Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 in their semi-final clash. Sharapova will play Australia's Samantha Stosur in the Rome International final. Earlier Stosur had steam-rollered China's Li Na 7-6 (8/6), 6-0.