Ljubicic is looking for his third title of 2006

The Croat, seeded sixth, broke his Argentine opponent at the first opportunity and was never threatened in wrapping up a 6-1 6-2 win.

He will face top seed and defending champion Roger Federer in the decider.

Federer was in control throughout as he easily dispatched Spain's David Ferrer 6-1 6-4 in 59 minutes.

But Ljubicic is in good form and did not face a break point in the one hour 12 minute match against Nalbandian.

"He was in trouble all through the match," said Ljubicic. "He had some kind of problem, he wasn't moving well. I played a really good match."

Nalbandian said: "I tried to play my game but I couldn't manage it. It was tough, so windy and he played incredible."

Ljubicic, who has a 26-1 record this year, said earlier in the week that he feels he is the second-best player in the world at the moment.

"My confidence is absolutely high, but there is one guy who is doing even better than I," Ljubicic said of Federer.