Rafael Nadal proved that only one person could win in a straight contest, making it to the singles final of the Chennai Open ATP Tennis Championship in his third appearance, overcoming compatriot Carlos Moya 6-7 (3), 7-6 (8), 7-6 (1) in a marathon 235 minute encounter tonight.

Nadal also lived up to his head-to-head ratio of winning his fifth match in seven meetings with Moya. This was perhaps the longest and best ever contested match in the history of the championship. All through, Moya looked physically fitter. He started his usual hustling tactics to upset the rhythm of Nadal, who did not succumb and came up with unbelievable winners.

In the other semi-final, Russian Mikhail Youzhny made short work of Croat Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-3 to storm into the final.

Youzhny had his game plan ready though the Croat did pose few problems with his powerful serves. Cilic fought well and was faster on the court and used his double handed backhand shots to perfection.