CAMERON NORRIE produced a red-hot display to reach a first Masters final and considerably boost his bank balance.
On a scorching afternoon in the Californian desert, the new British No1 remains on course to win the biggest title of his career.
The South African-born star battered Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 in an excellent clash at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
This stunning victory over a former world No3 will see his career prize money increase by at least £460,000.
And if he wins Sunday’s final – against Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili – he will be better off by the tune of almost £900,000.
Even with so much on the line, both financially and professionally speaking, Norrie looked calm and assured in his first ever Masters semi-final.
The 26-year-old, with the lungs of an accomplished 10,000m runner, came out quickly and raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to a double break.
In terms of his own strategy, Dimitrov really looked lost and without answers as Norrie aggressively targeted and then exploited his forehand.
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In 32 degree stifling heat, the first set was wrapped up inside 32 minutes and Norrie had one foot in the final.
It was not exactly a great tennis contest but then Norrie hardly cared, continuing his relentless pursuit by breaking the Dimitrov serve in the first game of the second set.
Even though he has played so much tennis this year, Norrie clearly has plenty left in the tank, serving out the match to crush the spirit and resolve of Dimitrov.
There are usually nine Masters 1000 events on the circuit and Norrie could join prestigious company by the close of the weekend.
Andy Murray has won 14 titles while Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman are the only the other Brits to succeed at the level just below the four Slams.
