Velotti's retirement sends Yuki to semi-finals of Zhuhai Challenger

Yuki Bhambri made the first ATP Challenger level singles semifinals of the season when his Argentine rival Agustin Velotti retired midway into the contest, here on Friday.

Unseeded Yuki was leading 6-1 2-1 when Velotti threw in the towel, citing fatigue.

The contest lasted mere 47 minutes with the Argentine hardly posing a challenge to Yuki, who is playing on Protected Ranking. Yuk had won a Futures title coming into this tournament and led India to a 4-1 win over New Zealand in the Davis Cup tie in Pune.

"He was tired, he said he played long matches and therefore was tired," Yuki said about his rival.

Talking about his first semi-final appearance this season, Yuki said,"I am happy. It's really tough tournament and even harder when you are not seeded. Just trying to keep my head down and staying focussed."