(dpa) - Andy Murray reversed his form in dramatic fashion to reach a second straight elite semi-final as he defeated former champion Carlos Moya 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 at the Cincinnati Masters on Friday.
The Scot looked like melting in mid- 30 Celsius heat on court in the torrid Midwest before he rallied to prevent disaster against Spain's former world number one and 2002 winner.
Murray, who lost a Toronto Masters semi-final a week ago to Rafael Nadal, will face off against either German Philipp Kohlschreiber or 16th seed Ivo Karlovic, conqueror a day earlier of Roger Federer.
Second seed Rafael Nadal was poised to claim the top ranking held for four and a half years by the Swiss should he win the title on Sunday.
Murray's squeezed through in just over 90 minutes, after recovering from a set and a break down,
He saved a pair of break points in the third game of the second to avoid a second break which could have doomed his comeback chances.
Murray will compete in the fifth Masters semi of his career,having never gotten past that stage. "It was really tough at the start."
"I've never been to the final of a Masters but this looks like my best chance. I'm playing well enough and can hopefully come through."
The 31-year-old Moya was unable to get back into the game as Murray won six of seven games to level at a set apiece. The Scot ran away with the third to lift the comeback win.