Stan is through to the semis

STAN Wawrinka remains on course for a second ATP Masters 1000 title after advancing through to the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open.

Wawrinka, who is the highest-ranked player left in the tournament in Indian Wells, came out victorious in a thrilling contest against Dominic Thiem, which he won 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7/2).

The Swiss has won three grand slams, as many as Andy Murray, but has failed to produce at the level below, with just a solitary title to his name.

However, he looks in the mood to take advantage of Murray and Novak Djokovic’s early exits after winning a deciding tie-break for the second game in a row, having earlier saved break points which would have seen Thiem serving for the match.

Wawrinka will meet Pablo Carreno Busta in the last four after the Spaniard won a battle against his friend and doubles partner Pablo Cuevas.

It was both men’s first foray this far into a Masters 1000 event and it was Carreno Busta who came out on top, winning 6-1 3-6 7-6 (7/4).

Carreno Busta had to save two match points in the final set and then triumphed in the tiebreak and he knows it was a special win.

He said: “It’s an amazing feeling. It’s my first time in the semifinal in a Masters 1000.

“This tournament is one of the best of the year and maybe one of the toughest. It’s a great result for me.”

BOTH Kristina Mladenovic and Elina Vesnina caused upsets to reach the women’s semi-finals.

Mladenovic, seeded 28th, fought back from a set and a break down to post a 3-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-2 win over Caroline Wozniacki.

Waiting for Mladenovic in the last four is Vesnina who won 6-2 4-6 6-3 against Venus Willaims. Earlier, Vesnina had beaten Angelique Kerber.