Carlos Moya produced a sublime performance to outgun and outwit Richard Gasquet 6-2 6-4 to reach the final of the BCR Open.

The top seeded Frenchman who had found some form during this tournament following a dismal hardcourt season, had no answer to the consistent power of Moya who was in vintage form throughout the match.

The 32 year old Spaniard who has a 2-0 head -to-head record against Gasquet got the early break in the first set, and consolidated that by breaking his opponent to love with the aid of a backhand winner down the line to go ahead 5-2.

Moya quickly closed out the set to love as Gasquet's forehand flew long.

In the second set, the French No.1 failed to capitalise on two break point opportunities in the fourth game as Moya's howitzer forehand ripped winners down the line on both occasions to frustrate the Frenchman.

At 4-4, Moya had Gasquet 15-40 courtesy of an untimely double fault and converted when Gasquet's forehand volley found the top of the net.

Moya closed out the match in double-quick time to love as Gasquet's backhand return floated long.

"I think I played very well, even better than I've been playing all this week", said a delighted Moya. "I'm happy that I beat a very good player in straight sets. I didn't feel tired after the long match I had yesterday so this is a good result for me."

Moya now hopes to continue in this good form as he plays his first final here since 1996.

"Everyday is a different story, but I'm playing well and confident, so let's hope tomorrow is going to be the same as today." 

Gasquet confessed to being tired after his late match and then being forced to play first on semi-finals day.

"For sure it was hard for me to play at 1pm after finishing at 8pm yesterday", Gasquet said. "Never easy, but I can do nothing about it. I did not play my best match and he played really well tactically. I had a big problem with his serve. He just played better than me.

"He's a specialist of clay court. I missed a lot of matches on clay this year because I was injured so it is hard for me to play against this type of guy. I tried my best this week, but he was better than me today."

Despite the loss, Gasquet's believes his decision to come to Bucharest was a good one.

"I played in four matches; it was important for me to play matches in Bucharest and to practise. Although I didn't play my best today, it is good preparation for the next few weeks."

Asked if he might consider returning to Bucharest, Gasquet said: "Why not! It's a good tournament and I would like to win it. We will see. I really like this tournament."

Andre Jones

BNR Arena

Bucharest