Nalbandian to face Baghdatis in Washington final

David Nalbandian, in top form after nagging injuries, reached his first ATP final since January of last year on Saturday, ousting Croatian fourth seed Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-2 at the Washington Classic.

The 28-year-old veteran from Argentina took advantage of 27 unforced errors from the Australian Open semi-finalist to advance and likes his chances in Sunday's hardcourt final against eighth seed Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus.

"When I'm playing this good, I'm tough for everybody. It doesn't matter who is on the other side," Nalbandian said.

"I'm doing good things, trying to be more offensive. Win or lose, I'm playing at a good level. If it's not this week, it's going to be another week." Nalbandian, ranked 117th, was sidelined nine months after hip surgery, made a brief return early this year, then missed two months with a sore hamstring before coming back in July to help Argentina reach the Davis Cup semi-finals.

"My surgery was not an easy one. Not many players come back from that," said Nalbandian. "I never felt any pain when I was practicing back. I've had a good recovery. All the time I'm feeling good."

Baghdatis shrugged off a left ankle injury in the second set to beat Belgian Xavier Malisse 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) in the other semi-final. The 25th-ranked Cypriot seeks a fifth career ATP title and his first since this past January at Sydney. WASHINGTON, Aug 7, 2010 AFP