Sebastian Korda and Ben Shelton, two of the bright lights of American tennis, did not disappoint when they clashed in the quarter-final of the Shanghai Masters on Thursday. Korda prevailed 6-7(10), 6-2, 7-6(6).

Shelton sent down 17 aces but it was the calm and collected 26th seed Korda who held firm to win despite letting slip five match points from 6/1 in the deciding-set tie-break.

Shelton had clinched an opening set in which Korda started more confidently but could not make inroads. Shelton saved a set point at 8/9 in the tie-break before converting his fifth set point to deflate Korda after his positive start.

Korda raced to win the second set as Shelton began to show signs of fatigue.

That pattern continued into the decider, when Korda surged 4-2 ahead, but Shelton maintained power and accuracy with his forehand to rally and set up the closing tie-break drama.

He was unable to complete the comeback, however, as Korda advanced having converted five of the 16 break points he earned.

The 23-year-old will take on 16th seed Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-final.

Written with inputs from AP/PTI