Nalbandian ends Dimitrov's run

Grigor Dimitrov's Queen's fairytale came to an end after he was beaten in the semi-finals of the AEGON Championships by 10th seed David Nalbandian.

Dimitrov, 21, has captured the hearts of the public after the exit of top seeds Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, but he was not good enough to beat the 2002 Wimbledon finalist, losing 6-4 6-4 in a poor quality game due to incredibly blustery conditions in west London.

The engaging Bulgarian showed exactly why he has been branded 'Baby Fed' when beating Gilles Muller and Kevin Anderson in the previous two rounds, but in Nalbandian he met an experienced campaigner whose play was far too effective for him to break down.

Despite being nine years his senior, and despite having played two three-set games on Friday, the Argentinian former world number three showed impressive agility and power to set up a showdown against sixth seed Marin Cilic in Sunday's final.

Both players struggled to deal with the windy conditions during a scrappy opening set. Dimitrov looked nervous as he lost his first service game, but broke back immediately to level. Dimitrov saved three break points in the third game but Nalbandian broke through in the Bulgarian's following service game when the 21-year-old netted with a backhand.

Nalbandian made his frustration at clear by groaning when Dimitrov broke him again with a punishing backhand to put the set back on serve, but the Argentinian broke back yet again in the next game when Dimitrov went long. Dimitrov could not break his opponent again to level and Nalbandian took the set when Dimitrov sent his cross-court forehand long.

The Argentinian took control of the second set by breaking his opponent in the third game when Dimitrov found the net cord. Dimitrov cursed loudly after wasting a good opportunity in the following game as Nalbandian moved 3-1 ahead.

It was Nalbandian who was left cursing in the next game, however. The 30-year-old smashed his racquet into a court-side microphone after being broken by a delicate drop shot from Dimitrov that put the set back on serve.

Dimitrov soon lost his way, though, losing the ninth game after Nalbandian buried a smart volley at the net following a thrilling rally. Serving for the match, Nalbandian's experience shone through as he moved 40-15 ahead before taking the match when Dimitrov ploughed a backhand into the net.

In the other semi-final Cilic beat 2010 champion Sam Querrey 6-3 3-6 6-3.