London finals hopefuls Marin Cilic and David Goffin have strengthened their year-end chances, with the pair reaching the Japan Open semi-finals through resounding straight-set wins.
Croatian Cilic, a Wimbledon finalist this year against Roger Federer, dispatched American Ryan Harrison on Friday 6-2 6-0. Goffin, winner of a title last week in China, overcame France's Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-2.
Belgium's Goffin booked into a semi-final at the Ariake colosseum against Argentine eighth seed Diego Schwartzman, a winner over American Steve Johnson 6-0 7-5.
Goffin came from a 5-2 deficit in the opening set and completed his recovery by sweeping 10 of 11 games in a match lasting just over 90 minutes.
Goffin finished runner-up in Tokyo a year ago and earned a first trophy in three years last Sunday in Shenzhen.
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Forecasts of afternoon rain came true after a dry week, requiring the moveable roof of the complex to remain closed for the Schwartman-Johnson encounter.
The weather first moved in with Gasquet leading Goffin 3-2 in the opening set as the roof swung into action.
