World number one Rafael Nadal entered his second Shanghai Masters' final after overcoming a dogged effort from Marin Cilic in the semi-finals played on Saturday evening in the Chinese metropolis.
Nadal, who was made to work, defeated Cilic 7-5, 7-6(3) to reach his 111th final and 10th of the year.
Fourth-seeded Cilic, who came out with some punishing blows to break down the Nadal defence using his forehand, was unable to sustain the level in the critical moments.
The Spaniard benefitted from 40 unforced errors, while striking 23 winners of his own, to reach his second Shanghai final.
With the victory, the 871st of his career, the 16-time Grand Slam champion moves past Andre Agassi for solo sixth place on the Open Era wins list.
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