Fernando on right foot
Fernando on right foot 
From correspondents in Las Vegas
Former Australian Captain March 01, 2007
FIFTH seed, Spain’s Fernando Verdasco clinched a quarter-final berth at the Channel Open with a 6-1 5-7 6-2 win over Thailand’s Danai Udomchoke today (AEDT).
The victory lifted Verdasco to 2-0 in round-robin play, the event’s unique method of deciding qualifiers for Saturday’s (AEDT) knockout quarter-finals. The move is being tested as it ensures multiple matches for big-name players.
Verdasco has won his first two matches since being forced to retire, with a foot injury, from a first-round meeting with France’s Fabrice Santoro in Marseille last month.
Brazil wildcard Gustavo Kuerten was eliminated as Germany’s eighth seed, Benjamin Becker, defeated the three-time French Open champion 6-4 6-3.
Fourth seed Jurgen Melzer eliminated France’s Michael Llodra 6-4 2-6 7-5 but the Austrian still must defeat Chile qualifier Paul Capdeville to progress.
Russia’s Igor Kunitsyn eliminated Austria’s Stefan Koubek 6-2 6-2 but must defeat third-seeded compatriot Marat Safin to reach the last eight.
Agence France-Presse