Shang Juncheng of China hits a two-handed backhand at the ATP Chengdu Open in Chengdu, China, September 21, 2024. /CFP
China's Shang Juncheng came out on top after a tough battle with Russia's Roman Safiullin, prevailing 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the men's singles quarterfinals at the ATP Chengdu Open on Saturday after the pair's first head-to-head meeting.
The 19-year-old Shang entered this tournament in the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province sitting on a career-high ranking of World No. 65. The first set was close, but the eighth-seeded Safiullin broke late to claim the frame 7-5, following a well-worked rally.
Shang bounced back, however, and won the second set 6-3 to force a decider.
The third set was similar and the Chinese lefty, who hit 24 winners in the match, closed out the contest 6-3 to reach his fourth Tour-level quarterfinal this season.
He will face Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik for a place in the semifinals.
Lorenzo Musetti of Italy hits a forehand at the ATP Chengdu Open in Chengdu, China, September 21, 2024. /CFP
In other round of 16 matches, Bublik overcame Federico Agustin Gomez of Argentina 6-4, 6-4.
Lorenzo Musetti of Italy fought from a set down to put away Christopher O'Connell of Australia 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(4).
Adrian Mannarino of France pulled out a 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-4 victory over China's Zhou Yi.