Davydenko defeats Federer for the first time to clinch spot in final

REUTERS - Nikolay Davydenko ended years of pain against Roger Federer on Saturday, beating the world number one 6-2 4-6 7-5 to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals for a second successive year.

The Russian had lost all 12 of his previous clashes with the Swiss magician but produced an inspired performance in front of 17,500 enthralled fans inside the O2 Arena to resist a Federer fightback.

Davydenko broke Federer's serve at 5-5 in a gripping deciding set and held his nerve in the next game, clinching victory on his first match point when his opponent netted a forehand after one hour 55 minutes.

He will play Swede Robin Soderling or Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in Sunday's final.