Roddick Passes Ancic Test; Grosjean Stops Flanagan

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Top seed and defending champion Andy Roddick survived a tough three-set battle against Croatia's Mario Ancic before moving through to the quarterfinals of the Stella Artois Championships.

Roddick recovered from losing the second set to book his place in the last eight with a 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 victory in 1 hour, 42 minutes.

Ancic outserved his American opponent 15 to eight, but it wasn't enough to stop the defending champion, who made the crucial break to lead 3-2 in the third set.

"He didn't give me any looks at his serve today," said Roddick. "He was hitting all his spots - first and second serve, but I was pretty pleased with the way I was playing as well. I felt I had a couple of chances that I didn't take full advantage of, but it's not like they were sitters. That kind of match you just have to stay the course and wait for an opening."

Meanwhile, the man Roddick defeated in last year's final, Sebastien Grosjean, ended the hopes of British qualifier Ian Flanagan. Grosjean, the No. 5 seed from France, took just 50 minutes to overcome the Nottingham-based Welshman, who began the week at No. 866 in the INDESIT ATP Entry Rankings.

"He was superb," said Flanagan of his more experienced opponent. "He didn't give me an inch and he didn't miss a ball. He's the best player I've ever played against. But overall I'm pleased with the way this week has gone for me. I beat Philippoussis and Hanescu, so it shows you can beat anyone in the world."

Grosjean will now meet Czech Radek Stepanek, who overcame Taipei's Yen-Hsun Lu in straight sets to reach his second grass court quarterfinal following his run to the last eight in Halle 12 months ago.

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