Juan Carlos Ferrero piloted his return to form past another marker Thursday, crushing fellow Spaniard Alberto Martin 6-1, 6-2 to book into the quarter-finals of the 850,000-euro Barcelona Open. The former world number one and 2003 Roland Garros champion began turning the corner on an injury and illness crisis which wrecked his 2004 campaign, reaching the Monte Carlo semi-finals a week ago.
His straightforward victory under cloudy skies into the last eight at the Real Club de Tenis required 71 minutes, with the unseeded crowd favourite notching his 15th win of the season.
The victory was the third in succession against "Beto" Martin for Ferrero, who now stands square at four victories apiece with his compatriot, at 55th ranked three spots higher than the former Barcelona winner.
Martin, who 24 hours earlier put out holder Tommy Robredo - one of the 20 Iberians who began the week here - was able to convert on only one of seven break points chances while dropping his serve five times.
Martin has not won a match at the event since 2002 while Ferrero continues to build upon his strengths in 2005.
The quiet Spaniard reached the fourth round in Miami last month before announcing his return with the Monte Carlo semi.
"I feel good about my form, I'm believing more and more in myself," said Ferrero, who next faces the winner from Roland Garros defending champion Gaston Gaudio and Spain's David Ferrer.
"I'm feeling stronger mentally. Martin has been in great form and has had some great results, but I played well."
Unfancied Agustin Calleri came up with the victory in an Argentine dogfight as he defeated fourth-seeded compatriot Guillermo Coria 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2).
Calleri, advanced into his third clay semi-finals.
HOUSTON: Defending champ Tommy Haas beat Jeff Morrison 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the 380,000 dollar ATP US Claycourt Championships on Wednesday.
Germany's Haas moves on to face seventh seed Jurgen Melzer, of Austria, who rallied past Israeli qualifier Noam Okun, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5.
American Andy Roddick also advanced in the red clay event with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 triumph over unheralded Robby Ginepri.
Roddick had advanced to the second round after cruising past American qualifier Matias Boeker 6-2, 6-3 on Tuesday.
The top seed, Roddick won here in 2001 and 2002 and was the runner-up each of the past two years.
He next faces eighth seed Luis Horna, of Peru, who edged American lucky loser Paul Goldstein, 6-1, 6-7 (7/9), 7-5.
(SECOND ROUND): Andy Roddick (USA x1) bt Robby Ginepri (USA) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4; Jurgen Melzer (AUT x7) bt Noam Okun (ISR) 2-6, 6-2, 7-5;
Luis Horna (PER x8) bt Paul Goldstein (USA) 6-1, 6-7 (7/9), 7-5.