Spain's David Ferrer jubilates during the men's singles at the ATP Masters Cup in Shanghai, east China, yesterday. David Ferrer defeated his compatriot Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. --Xinhua

World number two Rafael Nadal was upset by sixth seed David Ferrer in an all-Spanish round robin showdown at the Masters Cup, producing the second surprise result yesterday.

By edging out his compatriot 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in almost three hours, the 25-year-old Ferrer has one foot in the semi-finals at the year-ending tournament as he notched up his second consecutive win at the round robin phase of the elite tournament.

In an earlier match of the Gold Group, world number three Novak Djokovic lost to No. 8 Richard Gasquet of France 6-4, 6-2 for the second straight loss, which, combining the Ferrer win, means the Serb has been eliminated from the knockout stage.

"I never expect to beat number three and two on the road, you know, it is my first Masters Cup, I just play for each match, each point," said Ferrer, who beat Djokovic in straight sets in the first round.

"Everybody felt tired at the end of the season. As for me, I just stay confident and also I don't have pressure, I have nothing to lose for it."

Nadal, who can still qualify for the semis, outlasted Ferrer inan absorbing first set which saw five breaks of serve in the first six games. Ferrer's netted forehand finally ended the tussle in Nadal's favor after 55 minutes.

But the hard-working Ferrer was in the ascendancy in the remaining match, delivering many unplayable shots, putting all the fans in the Qi Zhong Tennis Stadium to their feet.

For Ferrer, this season marks his first year-end finish in the Top 10. He reeled in three titles and his road to the US Open semifinals enabled him to jump from No. 15 to No. 8 in the world.

"The pros play all year long, so it is normal win or lose. When you play against the best of the world, everything can happen," said Nadal at the press conference.

"Tonight David (Ferrer) came up with too many crazy shots and play with unbelievable confidence. I can only say that I play well but he play better."