Monaco topples Paire, Isner advances at ATP Houston

Argentina's Juan Monaco ousted second-seeded Benoit Paire of France 6-3, 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP clay court tournament in Houston.

Monaco, the 2012 champion in Houston, on Wednesday notched a second straight tour-level win for the first time since Nice 13 months ago.

He saved 10 of 12 break points he faced and improved to 3-1 against Paire, the world number 22.
The 32-year-old Monaco booked a quarter-final clash with fifth-seeded American Sam Querrey, a 6-3, 6-3 winner over Germany's Benjamin Becker.

Querrey belted 13 aces and saved the only two break points he faced to overcome Becker in just 50 minutes.

Querrey faces a tough matchup against Monaco -- he has never beaten the Argentinian in three prior meetings on clay.

Top-seeded American John Isner advanced on cue, defeating American Denis Kudla 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4).

Isner next faces young South Korean Chung Hyeon, who rallied for a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 victory over US wildcard Tommy Paul.

Defending champion and fourth seed Jack Sock of the United States launches his campaign on Thursday with a second-round match against Australian qualifier Matthew Barton. Third-seeded Feliciano Lopez and seventh-seeded Marcos Baghdatis will also be in action on Thursday.

Jackson scored eight points in the final three minutes to help thwart a late Magic rally.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 18 points for the Pistons, who are eyeing their first playoff berth in seven seasons.
Source: AFP