Kyrgios, Goffin set up final showdown in Tokyo

Omnisports

October 8, 2016 5:27 AM

Spectators at the Japan Open were treated to two gripping semi-finals on Saturday, with David Goffin and Nick Kyrgios the men to prevail.

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Nick Kyrgios and David Goffin will each have the opportunity to claim a maiden ATP 500 title on Sunday after reaching the final of the Japan Open.

Kyrgios got the better of Gael Monfils - the highest-ranked semi-finalist - in a predictably thrilling contest between two of the most flamboyant players on the circuit.

The Australian prevailed 6-4 6-4 to move one win away from a third tournament win this year, his previous two successes having come in ATP 250 events.

Goffin, meanwhile, beat Marin Cilic 7-5 6-4 to end his 14-month wait for a final appearance.

There was much for the spectators in Tokyo to cheer as Kyrgios and Monfils provided rich entertainment.

Monfils hit more winners and made fewer unforced errors in the opening set, but his opponent moved ahead after consolidating a break at 3-3 by coming through a mammoth game notable for two sensational rallies.

Kyrgios broke at the start of set two, only for Monfils to respond immediately - a delightful backhand pass getting the world number eight back on level terms.

However, Monfils was again broken with the score level at 3-3 and Kyrgios remained ahead thereafter, winning a contender for point of the year in the eighth game of the set as he rounded off a remarkable exchange of shots with a winner at the net.

Cilic looked likely to record a first victory over Goffin, at the third attempt, when he broke for a 5-3 lead in the opening set of their semi-final.

However, the Croatian lost the next four games to fall behind and a solitary break in set two proved enough for Goffin.

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