Top-seeded David Ferrer of Spain defeated Facundo Bagnis of Argentina 6-3, 6-4 Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Copa Claro clay-court tournament.
Japan's 22-year-old Kei Nishikori beat Romania's Victor Hanescu of Romania 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the last eight.
No. 6 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland also made the quarterfinals, winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 over Benoit Paire of France.
The happiest player into the quarterfinals was Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, who will retire after next month's Masters tournament in Florida. Gonzalez defeated Spaniard Albert Ramos 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5).
''I am always aware I have few matches remaining,'' Gonzalez said.
Ferrer is one of the game's best on clay and he showed his experience against the 21-year-old Argentine.
''He made it difficult for me, but he failed on some important points,'' Ferrer said.
Ferrer now has a day to relax with his quarterfinal set for Friday.
Ferrer played local Argentine players in both his matches here, yet got a little more support from the fans Wednesday.
''The support was very equal today,'' Ferrer said. ''Here they treat you like you are at home, or even better.''
Wawrinka was playing a player he knows well in Paire.
''I was playing against a friend, and it wasn't easy,'' he said. ''Besides, he played a good match.''
