Ferrero puts Spanish spin on New Zealand final

The veteran Spaniard, winner of 11 career trophies including the French Open fie years ago, outlasted Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-3, 6-4 in their semi-final lasting one hour, 43 minutes.

 Kohlschreiber, seeded seventh, crushed Argentine Juan Monaco 6-2, 6-1.

 It was the second solid performance from the German ranked 31st after reaching the Doha quarter-final last weekend.

 Kohlschreiber called his start "unbelievable."

   "I came out loose and everything went well. I'd just like to carry one of my results to Melbourne."

   Ferrero did it tough against Benneteau, riding the 2008 wave of French success.

 The Spaniard is making his fourth appearance in Auckland, reaching the last eight on his 2000 debut. Ferrero, 27, won his 30th career match against Frenchmen.

 After blowing three match points he finally converted the fourth: "I was a little bit nervous. At the end, it is always difficult.

 "We played a lot of rallies and the beginning was very tough."

   Ferrero is bidding for his 12th career title.