ECKENTAL, November 6, 2015

Two Germans headlined quarterfinals action at the € 35,000 ATP Challenger Bauer Watertechnology Cup on Friday. Fourth seed Benjamin Becker won the all-German-affair with the tournament’s number five Dustin Brown. The world number 106 Merzig native was in total command of the encounter, firing nine aces and saved the only two break poins he faced to convert four of his own. Becker closed the match after only 53 minutes to gain his second win over Brown in their second tour meeting. Both players clashed at the same place in the semi-finals two years ago and Becker also emerged victorious in straight sets.

Becker will take on second seed Ruben Bemelmans next, who cruised past Aldin Setkic, winning 6-3, 6-0. The defending champion from Belgium saved the only two break points he faced and capitalized five of his own to finish the encounter after only 61 minutes.

Mikhail Youzhny

Mikhail Youzhny continues his winning streak during his comeback on ATP Challenger level, beating seventh seed Luca Vanni withstanding 18 aces from the Italian. The former world number eight from Russia rallied back from a set down, winning 67% of his second service points to seal a 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory in two hours and 27 mintues.

Youzhny will face Croatian qualifier Ante Pavic in the semi-finals. The 26-year-old from Zagreb overcame Marton Fucsovics, winning 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. Pavic smaseh nine aces and converted seven of his nine break point chances to prevail in one hour and 57 minutes.