Top seeded Tommy Haas of Germany fought off three set points in the first set , before registering a 7-6(3) 6-2 victory against eight seeded Marat Safin at LA Tennis Open on Friday.

"Overall, we played in tough conditions. At night it's tough to control the ball, but in the end there are no excuses. Playing against Safin is not easy. First, he is a good friend and second he's only playing in eight more tournaments so he is more relaxed," said two time champion Haas.

He added "I played a pretty good tie break during the first set. The first five games of the second set were really tough, but then I was able to go up 3-2 and gain momentum. The first set was frustrating with a lot of break points, and I had five to six opportunities to gain momentum."

Hass will next confront American Sam Querrey, who defeated Dudi Sela of Israel 6-3, 7-5.

Other winners of day were, Australian qualifier Carsten Ball who ousted John Isner of America 6-4 6-4 and will next play Argentine Leonardo Mayer, who was awarded a quarter-final walkover because  Mardy Fish pulled out due to a injury (oblique strain).

“I was ready to play today, expecting a tough match against Mardy, who is a great player," said Mayer. “On the other hand I am obviously very happy to reach my first ATP World Tour semi-final.