JAPAN OPEN
Kei Nishikori squashes Benoit Paire to reach Tokyo quarters
Tokyo — 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 semifinal defeat inflicted by the hulking Frenchman in Tokyo three years ago. Meanwhile, former champion Nick Kyrgios flickered into life just long enough to dispatch Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 7-5 7-6 (7/3) in the first round. Nishikori won the first five games before Paire finally got on the scoreboard. But after Nishikori snaffled the opening set Paire raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set before the Japanese No1 rattled off five straight games. A prickly Paire pulled off an outrageous between-the-legs volley and subsequently levelled with a backhand rocket as Nishikori shook his head in disbelief. But the world No12 almost took Paire’s head off to break again for 6-5, further irritati...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.