Mikhail Youzhny Made To Battle For Quarter Final Spot

Mikhail Youzhny was made to battle for a place in the quarter finals at the Malaysian Open as he needed three sets to see off Alexandr Dolgopolov.

The Russian is seeded number four at the tournament in Kuala Lumpur and looked to be in full control of the match in the first set as he took in fine style 6-1.

But in the second set Dogopolov, who has been one of the most improved players on the tour this year, battled back and began to put pressure on the Youzhny serve.

The next two sets were tight as the momentum swung back and forth between the two players as Dolgopolov took the second to see the match went the distance.

But Youzhny, despite facing ten break points; saving eight, dug deep in the second and edged another close set to take the match 6-1 5-7 7-5.

Speaking to Free Malaysia Today Youzhny said: "It's always tough to play any match after a Grand Slam. This was also my first match indoors in quite a while. There is also the time change and a lot of other changes.

"I played well considering the circumstances, I'm glad to go through. But he was tough and he hit a lot of winners, it was a close match after the first set."

Youzhny will now face sixth seed Marcos Baghdatis as the Cypriot faced a tougher test than in his opening match he came through in straight sets against Santiago Giraldo.

But Baghdatis came through 7-5 7-5 to set up the clash with Youzhny.

David Ferrer has also bagged a spot in the quarter finals as he saw off Australian youngster Bernard Tomic 6-3 6-4.

Nikolay Davydenko is currently in action against Igor Andreev and Andreev has the break to lead 4-2.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw