Michael Llodra set up a semi-final with top seed James Blake by beating Mardy Fish in the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.

In doing so, Llodra prevented an all-American line-up in the last four.

The seventh seed came through 6-4 1-6 6-1 in the grasscourt tournament to reach his first semi of the season.

Llodra's success was a surprise to himself as much as anyone else.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to come here," he said.

"I was supposed to go on holiday. If I make the final, I only miss three days of holiday. But I prefer to win the tournament."

Blake beat Justin Gimelstob 7-5 7-5 and remains favourite for the title, but his performance was patchy.

He gave up six break points but Gimelstob was unable to convert any of them.

"I came up a little short today," Gimelstob said. "But I'm glad the American boys are doing well."

Unseeded Taylor Dent and Robby Ginepri had already booked a semi-final match-up with victories on Thursday.