By KELSIE JOHNSON, NG Sports Reporter, kelsie@nasguard.com

Mark Knowles and his doubles tennis partner, Mahesh Bhupahti, advanced to the semi-final rounds of play at the Masters Series Monte-Carlo, yesterday.

The duo defeated Julian Knowles and Simon Aspelin in two straight sets 6-2 and 6-3. The win will line Knowles and Bhupathi up against Jeff Coetzee and Wesley Moodie, who defeated the American twins Mike and Bob Bryan, 4-6, 6-4 (10-8).

In yesterday's quarterfinal match-up, which lasted a little over an hour, Knowles and Bhupathi capitalized on the errors made by Knowle and Aspelin.

The team is the tournament's number four seeds. Knowles and Bhupathi got a bye in the first round and served their way passed the Brazilian team of Marcelo Melo and Andre Sa, 6-2 and 6-3.

A win today will mark the third final appearance for the duo on the season. The team won two titles at the Memphis and Dubai tournaments, the third final appearance was in Miami. Knowles also recorded two other semifinal appearance, one at the Australian Open, with Bhupathi and the other at Delray Beach with Mardy Fish.

If Knowles and Bhupathi are successful, they will face either Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo or Jonas Bjorkman and Kevin Ullyett, who are on the other side of the draw.