Cameron Norrie knocked out of Zhuhai Championships by Aslan Karatsev

The British number one, the tournament's second seed, was defeated 7-6(5) 7-6(5) by Karatsev in two hours and 21 minutes.

It made it back-to-back victories over Britons for world number 63 Karatsev, having beaten Andy Murray in the previous round.

He will now face Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka in the last four, while the other semi-final will be between top-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov and American Sebastian Korda.

"I am mentally ready," Khachanov told atptour.com ahead of the clash.

"I had a kind of unexpected vacation and now I'm motivated, determined, excited to be back playing and trying to bring on this game again.

"When he is on and he brings his flat shots and his A-game, he has a really, really great perspective and is a tough opponent. He serves well. He moves well. He returns well. It is tough to find a weakness. But that is what I will have to look for tomorrow [Monday] against him."

Meanwhile, Korda is expecting another blockbuster match against the durable Russian.

"We've had some good matches so far," he said. 

"I am sure tomorrow will be another good, fun match. We have a 2-2 record so far, so it is a big one for us. A spot in the final is where we want to be and I am very excited for it."

READ MORE: Andy Murray blows early lead before crashing to defeat in last 16 of Zhuhai Championships in China