Russia's Nikolay Davydenko secured a place in the Masters Cup semi-finals with a 6-3 6-4 win over Gaston Gaudio. Davydenko, who defeated Andre Agassi in his opening match, broke Gaudio's serve twice in each set to claim his first victory over the Argentine.
Fernando Gonzalez, who replaced Agassi, then beat Mariano Puerta 6-3 4-6 6-0 to ensure Davydenko makes the last four.
Gonzalez and Gaudio will meet in the final round of gold group matches on Friday for a place in the semis.
"Five days ago I was on holiday and having fun," said Gonzalez. "Two days I didn't think I'm playing.
"Now I have a chance to be in the semi-finals. It's strange. Who knows?"
 |  For Federer it doesn't matter what surface he plays on. He can play on ice |
Roger Federer, who has already made the last four, takes on Guillermo Coria on Thursday.
Ivan Ljubicic and David Nalbandian will battle for the remaining semi-final place in the red group.
Davydenko admitted that his qualification had been eased considerably by injuries to Agassi and Rafael Nadal.
"Coming to Shanghai, it was supposed to be a tough group - but Agassi retired and Nadal didn't play any matches, so I get a chance to get into the semi-finals," said Davydenko.
"It's great for me because if you get some chance, you need to take it, but this surface is very difficult.
"If you don't concentrate you can get injured. For Federer it doesn't matter what surface he plays on. He can play on ice."
MMIX
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