Defending champion Fernando Verdasco ended Juan Martin del Potro's hopes of reaching a first final following a long injury lay-off with a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour event in San Jose.
While Del Potro showed flashes of his major-winning form, his groundstrokes often lacked depth and he was unable to do much damage when returning serve. For his part, Fernando dominated much of the action with his huge forehand, excellent court coverage and solid service returns.
"Everything worked," Fernando said.
"I served well, moved well, and my forehand worked well in the moments that I needed it. I don't make many winners with my backhand, but it was solid.
"I needed to play well because I watched Juan Martin beat (Lleyton) Hewitt yesterday and he was playing so good. That woke me in the sense that I needed to go out and play my best."
The 27-year-old champion broke Del Potro in the opening game and never looked back, winning the set with a hooking serve and crosscourt forehand winner.
Del Potro improved in the second set, breaking the world number nine to move 3-1 ahead by ripping a crosscourt forehand winner.
However, Fernando broke back in the next game with a big return at the Argentine's feet, and then broke Del Potro again to jump ahead 5-4 with a forehand winner down the line.
Fernando, who has only been broken twice in four matches, then served out the match at love, winning it with an ace to the corner.
He will play young Canadian sensation Milos Raonic in the final. The 20-year-old Raonic advanced without playing when French second seed Gael Monfils withdrew before their semi-final with a wrist injury. Vamos Fernando!
