Federer sets up Safin showdown

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON (Reuters) - Champion Roger Federer banished menacing storm clouds on Wednesday to set up a tantalising Wimbledon semi-final date with Marat Safin.

The Swiss's pursuit of a modern-era record sixth successive title showed no signs of slowing down when he outgunned, out-thought and ultimately outclassed Croatia's Mario Ancic 6-1 7-5 6-4 to reach his 17th grand slam semi-final in a row.

There he will meet Russian hot-head Safin, who survived a mini eruption in the first set to overcome Spanish 31st seed Feliciano Lopez 3-6 7-5 7-6 6-3.

Andy Murray hopes of ending Britain's 72-year wait for a men's champion came to nothing when he was on the receiving end of a brutal 6-3 6-2 6-4 masterclass from twice runner-up Rafael Nadal.

After days of sweltering sunshine, stormy skies enveloped southwest London, bringing with them rain showers that meant more than three hours play was lost.

Federer's victory charge was briefly halted.

But having blown Ancic off court in the 20-minute opening set for the loss of just one point on his serve, Federer took a two hour rain interruption in his stride and marched towards his 64th consecutive win on grass.

"I'm just very happy I didn't have to burn unnecessary energy," said Federer, the only man who has not dropped a set at this year's championships.

"I was in complete control. I was never really under pressure. I served well. I didn't have to save a break point.

When you go through a match like that... you know you're in a good and comfortable position."

If there was a prize for endurance, Ancic would already have walked away with it. Not only had he taken an exhausting 11 hours 43 minutes to get to the last eight, almost double Federer's time, he also contested 180 games before Wednesday.

In contrast Federer had played 67 fewer games and did not want to linger longer than necessary on Centre Court.

Ancic, who held the distinction of being the last man to beat Federer on grass in the first round here in 2002, finally ran out of puff and was put out of his misery when Federer fired his 15th ace of the match.

QUARTER-FINAL EXPLOSIONS

There were also explosions in the other quarter-final being played on Court One