Carlos Alcaraz has eased into his 12th semi-final of the season with a convincing straight-sets win over seventh seed Casper Ruud at the China Open in Beijing. The Spaniard’s hopes of finishing the year as world No.1 have increased with his 61st tour-level win this year and a 12th semi-final.

The 20-year-old, who came through 6-4 6-2, will take on Jannik Sinner in the semi-final as he eyes his seventh title of the season.

Elsewhere, Former England and Manchester City striker Francis Lee has died at the age of 79, following a long battle with cancer.

He scored more than 200 goals in a career which also saw him enjoy spells at Bolton – where he started out in the game.

Lee collected an impressive array of trophies, including the First

Division title on two occasions – once with City and once with Derby – as well as an FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.