Top-seeded Nalbandian advances in Stockholm

Oct 9, 2008 - 10:15 PM STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Ticker) -- David Nalbandian steamrolled into the quarterfinals of the Stockholm Open on Thursday.

The top-seeded Argentine needed just 57 minutes to dispatch of Swedish wild card Joachim Johansson, 6-3, 6-2, in one of six second-round matches slated at the hardcourt event.

Nalbandian, who crushed American Bobby Reynolds, 6-1, 6-1, in the opening round, remains a strong favorite here considering he is the only top-30 player in the field.

The world No. 7 will attempt to stay on course for his ninth career title when he faces No. 7 Albert Montanes in the quarterfinals.

Montanes advanced to the quarters for the first time since mid-July by rallying past Swiss qualifier George Bastl, 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Third seed and two-time finalist Jarkko Nieminen of Finland also is through to the round of eight following a 6-4, 6-7(5-7), 6-2 win over Frenchman Arnaud Clement.

The 2001 and 2006 runner-up will meet unseeded Spaniard Oscar Hernandez next, with the winner facing a potential showdown with Nalbandian in the semis.

Second-seeded Mario Ancic pushed his way in the round of eight with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 victory over Belgian Steve Darcis.

A former world No. 7 currently ranked 31st, Ancic will try to move a step closer to his first title since since 2006 when he faces Japanese wild card Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals.

Nishikori, who upset No. 8 Marcel Granollers in the opening round, advanced with a 6-1, 1-6, 7-5 triumph over Slovakia's Dominik Hrbaty.

This is the first time the 18-year-old has reached an ATP quarterfinal since his remarkable title run at Delray Beach in February.

Nishikori upset top-seeded James Blake in the final of that event, becoming the first Japanese player since 1992 to win on tour. The world No. 77 after starting the year 289th, Nishikori will be facing Ancic for the first time.

"This is the first time I'm winning so constantly and it surprises me," Nishikori said. "Of course I haven't faced anyone from the top 10, but it gives me confidence. Now I wish to advance to the semifinals."

Fourth seed Robin Soderling continued the hope for the first local champion since Thomas Johansson in 2004, capturing a straight-sets victory over lucky loser Juan Monaco of Argentina, 6-3, 6-3.

Next up for Soderling will be German fifth seed Rainer Schuettler, a 7-6 (7-6), 6-3 winner over Nicolas Lapentti on Wednesday.

First prize is $156,000.