Stan Wawrinka remains on course for a second ATP Masters 1000 title after advancing through to the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open.
Wawrinka, who is the highest ranked player left in the tournament in Indian Wells, came out victorious in a thrilling contest with Dominic Thiem, which he won 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7/2).
The Swiss has won three grand slams - as many as Andy Murray - but has failed to produce at the level below, with just a solitary title to his name.
But he looks in the mood to take advantage of Murray and Novak Djokovic's early exits after winning a deciding tiebreak for the second game in a row, having earlier saved break points which would have seen Thiem serving for the match.
Wawrinka will meet Pablo Carreno Busta in the last four after the Spaniard won an enduring battle with his friend and doubles partner Pablo Cuevas.
It was both men's first foray this far into a Masters 1000 tournament and it was Carreno Busta who came out on top in three sets, winning 6-1 3-6 7-6 (7/4) in over two hours.
Carreno Busta had to save two match points in the final set and then triumphed in the tiebreak and he knows it was a special win.
He said in his post-match press conference: "It's an amazing feeling. It's my first time in the semi-final in a Masters 1000.
"This tournament is one of the best tournaments in the year and maybe one of the tougher, because all the people is playing here. So I think it's a really great result for me."
Source: PA
