Madrid, Oct 17: Paradorn Srichaphan booked the quarter-final place of the 2.45-million-euro Masters Series here yesterday as he dominated aching American Jan-Michael Gambill 7-5 6-4.
The Thai seventh seed secured the win in 1 hour, 19 min of steady play against an opponent feeling the pain from a back injury he tweaked during last week's qualifying rounds.
Paradorn, winner of two titles this season, awaits a winner from a night match between world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero and fellow Spaniard Felix Mantilla.
The Asian ace executed his traditional "wah" bow to the Spanish crowd after his 48th victory of the season, achieved through nine aces and 25 winners against the American.
Gambill, 20-24 this season, can't seem to shake off his physical problems. He suffered through seven months of leg problems only to hurt his back here. He took a brief rub from the trainer after the ninth game of the opening set, but didn't require an injury timeout.



But the world number 57 was out of his depth against the Thai, winner of an ATP-Best 40 hardcourt matches last season.



Gambill reached a surprise set point while leading 5-4 in the first set, but struck an error.



Paradorn broke the American in the next game for 6-5 then claimed the set a game later from another Gambill miscue.



The seed started the second set with a break and nine games later produced his ninth ace for a match point. A simple volley winner concluded the contest.


Bureau Report