• 
• 

The unseeded German last played in a final four at the 2006 Australian Open, where he went down to Roger Federer.

 The 30-year-old, fighting back in the rankings after dropping to his current 409, beat countryman Michael Berrer 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 Friday.

 "I'm happy, this is a big win," said the wild-card entry who lost the 2004 LA final to compatriot Tommy Haas. "It's always tough to play a good friend - you both want to win. But I had a good start, and he came back. The tiebreaker was very important. It was key today."

   Kiefer will next face Czech Radek Stepanek, who ended the Cinderella run of American wild card Zack Fleishman 6-4, 6-2.

 "I'm happy with how I'm playing," said Kiefer. "I'm winning by playing well and by fighting - that's the most important thing."

   Second seed James Blake snapped a five-year losing streak against Vince Spadea in another quarter-final success story from a player who had it tough in recent seasons.

 The American, who nearly broke his neck in a 2004 accident on court, tagged rival Spadea with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 after losing six of their previous seven, with Blake's only previous win dating from 2002.

 There is no love lost between the pair, with Spadea slamming Blake in his tell-all, locker-room insider book published last year. Blake has seen his just-published autobiography shoot to 22nd on the US best-seller list within a few days of release.

 But it was another day of disappointment for third-seeded, two- time Grand Slam winner Marat Safin.

 The streaky Russian double-faulted away the match, losing to Korea's Lee Hyung-taik 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 to end his first week with new Argentine coach Hernan Gumy.

 Safin had reached the quarters for the first time in four attempts but was unable to close out the win after leading 4-2 in the final set.

 "I'm disappointed," said the Russian. "But I can learn from this match. I didn't take my opportunities when I had the chance for a double break."

   Blake showed that he still has firepower on the cement with the victory in just under 90 minutes, striking 31 winners against Spadea.

 "He's given me trouble in the past," said Blake, who lifted six titles last year but only one so far this season. "The match was as tough mentally as physically. It was a good one to get through."

   Blake served for victory leading 5-2, only to see Spadea win eight straight points to pull to 4-5. But the second seed managed to go through a game later.

 "I said I'd try to take it to him and not get down on myself," said Blake. "It was a really good feeling. I think I've matured since those early losses." dpa