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Verdasco reaches first final of year in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) In a match between unseeded players, Fernando Verdasco defeated Robin Haase 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-1 to reach the Dubai Tennis Championships final on Friday.

Verdasco upset sixth-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round and fourth-seeded Gael Monfils in the quarterfinals.

''It's an amazing week so far, beating two top seeds,'' Verdasco said.

Verdasco will play top-ranked Andy Murray or Lucas Pouille in the final.

The left-handed Verdasco is looking for his first title of the season, and first since winning Bucharest nearly a year ago.

Verdasco has won the last three matchups with Haase, including a quarterfinal en route to winning the Bucharest title.

After splitting sets, Verdasco dominated the third set, closing out the match by breaking Haase at love.