TOKYO, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Top seed Rainer Schuettler of Germany advanced to the quarterfinals for the 13th time this season Thursday at the Japan Open.
Schuettler posted a 6-3, 6-2 win over American Robert Kendrick in the third round to move closer to securing a spot in the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Houston.
The 27-year-old Schuettler entered the week sixth in the ATP Champions Race and is seeking his first title since 2001 at Shanghai.
The top eight players qualify for the tournament in Houston.
Second seed Sebastien Grosjean of France, No. 3 Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand and fifth seed Mark Philippoussis of Australia also won in straight sets.
Grosjean moved into the quarterfinals for the first time since the Mercedes Benz Cup in August.
