Canada's Milos Raonic celebrating his victory in his men's singles second round match against Japan's Yosuke Watanuki at the Japan Open tennis championships in Tokyo on Wednesday — AFP TOKYO, Oct 03 (AFP): Local hero Kei Nishikori put down a marker in his quest for a third Japan Open title as he outgunned France's Benoit Paire on Wednesday to reach the last eight.
The third seed, who lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2014, completed a 6-3, 7-5 victory despite late resistance from Paire to avenge a semi-final defeat inflicted by the hulking Frenchman in Tokyo three years ago.
Meanwhile, former champion Nick Kyrgios flickered into life for just long enough to dispatch Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) in the first round.
Meanwhile, Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson survived a scare against Australian Matthew Ebden, the second seed coming through 4-6, 7-6 (7/1) to reach the last 16.
The South African plays American Frances Tiafoe in the last 16.
Elsewhere, three-time Tokyo finalist Milos Raonic, the tournament's sixth seed, overpowered Japanese qualifier Yosuke Watanuki 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the quarter-finals.
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