ROBIN Soderling claimed his first victory over world number one Roger Federer at the 13th time of asking in Abu Dhabi to reach the final of the Capitala World Tennis Championship.

The Swede perhaps had the advantage, having begun his season with victory over Federer’s Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka at the grandly-named exhibition tournament.

But the 15-time grand slam champion began well in his first match of the campaign, taking the opening set on a tie-break and then breaking in the opening game of the second.

Soderling is a different prospect since reaching his first grand slam final in France last year, and he broke back in game six before levelling in a one-sided second tie-break.

Although the Swede lost to Federer in Paris, he built on that breakthrough and impressed in November’s ATP World Tour Finals in London, reaching the semi-finals.

Soderling gained the crucial break in the third game of the decider then saved four break points in the next game before breaking again to seal a 6-7 (6/8) 7-6 (7/1) 6-2 win.

The 25-year-old said: ‘‘I always said the more times I play him, the closer I’ll get, and here I am today.

‘‘But it’s going to be a long season for sure. Hopefully I’ll get to play against Roger a few more times.’’ Federer reflected on a tough opening to his 2010 season, saying: ‘‘Obviously it’s hard to start playing against him but I had fun.’’ Soderling will face Rafael Nadal in the final after the world number two defeated fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (7/3) 6-3.

Nadal had cut a frustrated figure at the O2 Arena as he failed to win a match and he had warned not to expect too much at the start of 2010.

But he looked in pretty good form as he ground out a straight-sets triumph over his Davis Cup team-mate.

Ferrer had his chances in the opening set, Nadal saving two break points.