Kenneth Carlsen is through to the final of the Japan Open following a straight sets victory over Paradorn Srichaphan on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Dane, chasing his second tour title, stacked up 11 aces on his way to the 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) victory.

After missing nearly 19 months of action after shoulder operations in 2000, Carlsen is trying to take things in his stride.

"I came away from tennis and kind of realised how lucky I am to play tennis. It's very important to remember how lucky we are to be living from our hobby. Not many people can say they do that," said the Dane.

His beaten opponent was just as philosophical.

"Today, I missed a lot of shots because I was trying to go close to the line because he's a quick player from the back," said Srichaphan, who beat Lleyton Hewitt in the quarter-final.

"I tried to finish it off too early, so I was kind of rushing myself."

Carlsen will meet Sweden's Magnus Norman in the final.

Norman, who has suffered badly over the last two seasons with injuries and loss of form, beat American Vincent Spadea 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

"It's a special feeling to go out on a Sunday...I've beaten him before, I hope I can do it again," said Norman, who beat Carlsen 6-3 6-2 in Tokyo six years ago.

In the women's semi-finals, Silvija Talaja of Croatia breezed past American Sara Taylor 6-3 6-4.

She will meet American Jill Craybas in the final, who upset second seed Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-4 4-6 6-4.

Japan Open results:

Men's semi-finals:
Kenneth Carlsen (Den) bt (8) Paradorn Srichaphan (Tha) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5)
Magnus Norman (Sweden) beat Vincent Spadea (US) 6-4 7-6 (7-4)

Women's quarter-finals:
Silvija Talaja (Cro) bt Sarah Taylor (USA) 6-3 6-4
Jill Craybas (USA) bt (2) Tamarine Tanasugarn (Tha) 6-4 4-6 6-4