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Juan Martin del Potro kept alive his ATP World Tour Finals challenge with victory over Fernando Verdasco on Tuesday.The US Open champion outclassed Fernando Verdasco by 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/1).
Del Potro who lost his opening Group A match to Andy Murray had to oust Verdasco to be in race for semi-final berth.
The 26-year-old Verdasco is playing for the first time in the Tour Finals. His second defeat of the round robin stage may result in early exit of the left hander. Potro had attained the fifth spot in the world rankings after a breakthrough year capped by his shock five-set victory over Federer in September's US Open final.
The Argentine displayed his good play taking control of the first set. He took a 2-1 lead in the third game.
Del Potro remained in control until he had to serve for the set at 5-4, then he faltered and allowed Verdasco two break points. Del Potro finally ended up winning the set. Verdasco broke in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead before serving out the second set. In the final set, Del Potro broke in the sixth game when he successfully challenged that Verdasco's forehand was out. Del Potro finally completed a hard-fought win crushing Verdasco in the tie-break.
