China's Shang Juncheng advances to quarterfinals at ATP Hong Kong Open

Shang Juncheng of China defeated Pedro No. 7 seed Pedro Martinez of Spain 6-3, 6-1 at the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Hong Kong Open in south China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday, reaching the quarterfinals at the tournament.

Shang, 19, currently ranks 50th in the world and his opponent is in 43rd. The two had played twice before, both on the clay court, and Martinez won both matches.

In their first meeting on the hard court, Shang held all of his first four service games and then broke the opponent in the eighth to lead 5-3. Then he clinched a love game to clinch the first set, leading 1-0 in the match.

Having been on a great momentum, Shang converted two straight break points as the second set began, building himself a 4-0 advantage. In the end, he finished the battle with his fourth break and earned the fifth ATP Tour last eight trip in his career.

"After 3-3, there was a big change in speed from my side," Shang said. "I was playing with more confidence and swinging much harder, the winners were coming and my serves were fast. I started tight, but finished strong. I could start more confidently – hit my forehands and step in more. But overall, it was a nine out of 10."

Shang will face Fabian Marozsan of Hungary next. Marozsan upset the tournament's top seed and reigning champion Andrey Rublev of Russia 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in one hour and 58 minutes.

"This was a big win for me … Andrey is a great player," Marozsan said. "It is not easy for me [with the crowd against him]. Andrey won this tournament last year, everyone loves him; Jerry is one of the fans' favorites here … it's a little bit like the Davis Cup, with everyone pushing your opponent. But I have to focus on myself and play my best."