Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball during the men's singles semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on Oct 7, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The world No 1 Rafael Nadal defeated the Bulgarian third seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 to reach the China Open final here on Thursday.

It was Nadal's 60th win this season and his fourth final at the China Open. "I am very pleased the way that I have been playing the whole week, after a very tough first day. So here I am. I am in the final. Another chance tomorrow to compete in a big match," said the 16-time Grand Slam champion.

Dimitrov fought back from one set down to take it to a deciding third before Nadal proved to be too strong as he converted his second match point to seal the victory.

"I'm very happy to be in the final again," said Nadal. "Of course, it is a very important achievement for me to continue with the positive feelings after winning the US Open. To be back here and be in the final with that very tough draw I had is a great effort. So I'm very happy."