ROME, September 30, 2015

Almost all seeded players of the bottom half of the draw at the BFD Energy Challenger advanced to the quarterfinals in Rome.

Only second favourite Daniel Gimeno-Traver fell to Thiemo de Bakker, losing 6-3, 5-7, 3-6. The world number 146 from the Netherlands came back from a set and a break down, winning 70% of his first service points to prevail in two hours and 11 minutes.

De Bakker will face the tournament’s number five Filip Krajinovic, who rallied back from a set down to overcome Marton Fucsovic through a 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory in the longest match of the day lasting two hours and 14 minutes.

Fourth seed Marco Cecchinato emerged victorious from the all-Sicilian-affair, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 against Gianluca Naso. Cecchinato saved 14 of the 16 break points he faced and converted three of his own to close the encounter after one hour and 45 minutes.

The 23-year-old Italian will meet sixth favourite Iῆigo Cervantes, who knocked out Filippo Volandri, firing 11 aces to seal a 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 victory in one hour and 45 minutes as well.

In the remaining first round match Pere Riba beat Flavio Cipolla, winning 6-3, 6-2 in 86 minutes. The 27-year-old Spaniard will play Uladzimir Ignatik next.