Japan's Nishioka into 1st ever Masters 1000 quarters at Cincinnati

WASHINGTON - Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka reached his first ever quarterfinal at ATP Masters 1000 event and his second last eight performance of the season on Thursday when he defeated Australia's Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-4 at the ATP Cincinnati Masters.

The 77th-ranked qualifier, who shocked compatriot Kei Nishikori on Thursday, will next face world No 19 David Goffin of Belgium, who knocked out France's Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (6), 6-2 in the third-round play for a place in the semifinals.

Nishioka, 23, advanced in 82 minutes, never facing a break point while twice breaking the Australian's serve.