体坛英语新闻：Schwartzman, Verdasco reach Rio Open final

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's Diego Schwartzman and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco will meet in the Rio Open final after both registered straight sets victories on Saturday.

Schwartzman overcame Chile's Nicolas Jarry 7-5, 6-2 and Verdasco beat Italian Fabio Fognini in the clay-court event at the Jockey Club Brasileiro.

The finalists' only previous meeting came in Nice two years ago, when the Argentinian won 7-6 (5), 6-1.

Regardless of Sunday's result, Schwartzman is guaranteed to move into the top 20 for the first time in his career while Verdasco will improve on his No. 40 ranking.

"I am very happy to enter the top 20," Schwartzman said. "This has been a very difficult tournament with several top-10 players, so when you start you cannot imagine reaching the final.

"I know that if I continue at my best level, the triumphs will come and the points will come, and I hope I can continue in the top 20," he added.