Top-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer defeated Argentine Facundo Bagnis 6-3 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa Claro clay-court tournament in Argentina.

Japan’s 22-year-old Kei Nishikori justified his No.4 seeding, beating Victor Hanescu of Romania 3-6 7-5 6-1 to reach the last eight.

Sixth seed Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland also made the quarter-finals, winning 6-3 5-7 6-2 over Benoit Paire of France.

Ferrer is one of the game’s best on clay and he showed his experience against the 21-year-old Argentine.

“He made it difficult for me, but he failed on some important points,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer now has a day to relax with his quarter-final set for Friday.

Ferrer played local Argentine players in both his matches here, yet got a little more support from the fans Wednesday.

“The support was very equal today,” Ferrer said. “Here they treat you like you are at home, or even better.”

Wawrinka was playing a player he knows well in Paire.

“I was playing against a friend, and it wasn’t easy,” he said.

“Besides, he played a good match.”