Paes-Stepanek in semis of Japan Open

Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek overcame a second-set lapse to defeat Andy and Jamie Murray and enter the semi-finals of the US $1,280,565 ATP Japan Open, in Tokyo, on Friday.

The top seeded Indo-Czech pair defeated the British brothers 6-4, 3-6, 10-2 in 77 minutes.

Paes-Stepanek saved a break chance in the opening set and converted one of five chances to nose ahead.

They continued their profligate ways, squandering all the four break chances they got, and allowed their opponents to comeback when they failed to save one chance on their own serve.

However, they outplayed the Britons in the Super tie-breaker, winning it comfortably.

They face Daniele Bracciali and Frantisek Cermak in the last four stage.