Defending champion Ferrer out of Ordina Open

Ivan Navarro beat defending champion David Ferrer 6-4, 6-2 Thursday to reach the semifinals of the Ordina Open grass court tournament.

Ferrer repeatedly threatened his fellow Spaniard's service but could not convert any of the five break points he forced in the match.

Navarro next plays Dutchman Raemon Sluiter, who dispatched Dudi Sela of Israel 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to advance.

"It feels really nice to beat him," Navarro said. "Ferrer is a very good friend of mine so I am sorry for him but today I really had a good feeling."

Mario Ancic was the last player to successfully defend his Ordina Open title in 2006.

Qualifier Benjamin Becker, who beat top-seeded Fernando Verdasco in the second round, advanced by edging 2004 winner Michael Llodra 7-6 (6), 7-5. Becker will play fourth-seeded Rainer Schuettler in an all-German semifinal.

Schuettler overpowered seventh-seeded Jeremy Chardy of France 7-6 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (11).

In the women's event, top-seeded Dinara Safina defeated No.6 Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 to set up a semifinal clash with Los Angeles-born Tamarine Tanasugarn, the Russian's conquerer in last year's final.

Tanasugarn of Thailand dismissed third-seeded Flavia Pennetta 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to advance.

Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium set up a semifinal with Francesca Schiavone by thrashing Kristina Barrois of Germany 6-1. 6-1.

"I'm playing with a lot of confidence, I'm enjoying being on court," the 19-year-old Wickmayer said. "I think Dutch grass courts suit me."

Schiavone also had little trouble in her quarterfinal, beating Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-1, 6-3.

AP