Yuki Bhambri's Semi-final at Tashkent Open Affected by Rain

Yuki Bhambri was locked in an engrossing battle with home favourite and top seed Denis Istomin in the singles semifinal of the Tashkent Challenger before rain forced suspension of play, here on Friday. (Yuki Bhambri Set to Enter top-100 rankings)

The fourth seed Indian was leading the world number 67 6-4 3-4 after one hour and eight minutes when skies opened up and despite efforts made by the organisers, the match could not be re-started.

The match will be completed tomorrow. Yesterday also Yuki had to play two matches in a day and he won both.

Yuki raced to a 4-1 lead in the opening set, courtesy a double break -- third and fifth games -- but the experienced Uzbek clawed his way back in the match by breaking the Indian in the sixth.

A forehand winner by Istomin put Yuki down by two breakpoints and on the first Delhi boy sent a forehand to net, allowing the local player a little opening.

However, Yuki remained solid, fighting fire with fire and also negated a few close calls which went against him.

He saved a break chance in the eighth game and served out the set in the 10th with a forehand winner.

Yuki made a stupendous start in the second set by breaking the Uzbek in the first game but lost serve in the fourth as it was back on serve. They played solid service games after that till rain halted play.

If Yuki wins the match, he will play his third successive final on the ATP Challenger Tour.