BARCELONA - THIRD-SEEDED Nikolay Davydenko rallied for a 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Radek Stepanek on Friday to reach the Barcelona Open semifinals.

Davydenko recovered from early mistakes in the first set, but wasted three set points as Stepanek used crafty net play to frustrate his opponent and force the tiebreaker.

THE records are continuing to fall at the 50th Schools National Swimming Championships.

Five more meet marks were re-written on Friday, bringing the total after four days of competition to an impressive 11.

LONDON - ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association on Friday over allegations that he spat at a member of Hull's coaching staff following an FA Cup match.