Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot to Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia during their match at the 2006 Tennis Masters Cup tournament in Shanghai Nov.16, 2006. Federer won 7-6 (2), 6-4. (Xinhua Photo)

David Nalbandian of Argentina serves to Andy Roddick of the U.S during their match in the Masters Cup tennis tournament in Shanghai Nov. 16, 2006. Nalbandian won over Roddick 6-2, 7-6. (Xinhua Photo)

SHANGHAI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- World number one Roger Federer and nemesis David Nalbandian, who joined hands to advance into semifinals here last year, repeated history by making the semifinals at this year's edition on Thursday.

The duo, who were also grouped in Red and joined to make last four in 2005 finale, got through to the semifinals for the second consecutive year here after beating respective enemies with straight sets in the final round-robin matches.

Swiss Federer eased through Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia 7-6(2), 6-4 in one hour and 48 minutes while Argentine Nalbandian needed only one hour and 37 minutes to edge past Andy Roddick 7-2, 7-6(4)in an earlier match.

Thus, Federer finishes first in the Red Group with three-match winning streak and Nalbandian, who are tied with Ljubicic and Roddick on one win and two losses, places second with set winning advantage by claiming four out of eight sets in total.

Ljubicic and Roddick both finish with three lost sets and five won sets.

"What's done is done now. We'll look forward to next year." said 24-year-old Roddick. "It's always a little bit easier to look forward to a vacation than it is trying to qualify."

"I hope I will come to Shanghai for the third straight year (in 2007). Last year I was in at the last second. This year is much earlier. I hope I can be able to prepare properly next year," said Ljubicic.

In men's doubles Red Group, fourth-seeded Paul Hanley and Kevin Ullyett rolled into the semi-finals from the round-robin Red Group with a perfect 3-0 record.

The nod for the second doubles spot in the semi-finals from the group went to Czech Martin Damm and Leander Paes from India.

On Wednesday, James Blake became the first master to make semifinals in Gold Group round robin competitions. And he also secure the first place in the group after a two-match winning streak.

Friday will see Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko battle for the last spot in semifinals. The match between Blake and Spaniard Tommy Robredo will not count too much as Robredo has been out before Friday's contests.