Raonic on course for finals repeat

TOKYO: Baby-faced assassins Milos Raonic roared into the quarter-finals of the Japan Open on Thursday to remain on course for a repeat of last year's final.

Third seed Raonic, beaten by local hero Nishikori in the 2012 final, overpowered Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3, as bright sunshine returned to Tokyo Bay and the roof was finally opened on centre court after a wet start to the $1.43 million event.

Never remotely threatened, world number 11 Raonic did not face a single break point and put Chardy out of his misery with his 17th ace after 76 minutes.

Slovakian Lacko beat qualifier Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-5, 6-4 to boost his earnings for the week to $32,000 so far since winning the coin toss to replace injured Frenchman Michael Llodra in the main draw.

Top seed Juan Martin del Potro safely reached the quarter-finals on Wednesday, before former Tokyo champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga suffered a shock second-round defeat.

Wimbledon champion Andy Murray withdrew to undergo minor back surgery set to keep the Scot out for the rest of the year.

The Japan Open has boasted a glittering list of champions since Ken Rosewall lifted the trophy in 1973 when it became an official tour event. Stefan Edberg holds the record with four wins, including three in a row from 1989-1991.

John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras have all won the title, while Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Murray have triumphed in recent years. (AFP)