Semifinals

Semifinals are the round in a knockout tournament that follows the quarterfinals and precedes the final. In a typical format, the field consists of four remaining competitors or teams, and the winners of the two semifinal matches advance to the final to decide the championship.

Formats for the semifinals vary by sport and competition. In many football and other team tournaments, semifinals are single-elimination matches, though some events use two-legged ties with home and away legs and an aggregate score to determine the winner. In basketball playoffs, conference semifinals are usually decided by a best-of-seven series. In tennis and other individual sports, the semifinals involve the last four players, with the winners advancing to the final; scoring and match length depend on the event.

Etymology and usage: The term semifinal derives from semi- meaning half and final, indicating the round that halves the field to two finalists. Semifinals are a common feature of many elimination-style competitions, including but not limited to various sports, tournaments, and competitive events, where a final round determines the champion.

See also: finals, quarterfinals, knockout tournament.