Del Potro powers into semis

Juan Martin del Potro remains on course to defend his Estoril Open title after booking his place in the semi-finals on Friday.

The 2009 US Open winner needed little time to get the better of former champion Albert Montanes, seeing off the number seven seed 6-2 6-2.

"My confidence is growing," he said afterwards. "It is important for this tournament and the next tournaments that I play."

Del Potro's reward is a last-four meeting with Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka.

Like Del Potro, the third seed was in a hurry, needing just 58 minutes to wrap up a 6-1 6-4 siccess over Robin Hasse, extending his career record against him to 4-0 in the process.

In the other half of the draw, France's Richard Gasquet is a win away from his second Estoril final.

After winning a first-set tie-break against qualifier Daniel Munoz-De La Nava 7-1, he dropped just two games in the next set for a routine win.

He will next meet the fourth seed, Albert Ramos.

He reached the semi-finals of an ATP event for the third time this season with a 6-2 6-3 win over the one remaining Portuguese player, Joao Sousa.