Davydenko overcomes ankle problem to reach last eight

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Feb 22 (Reuters) Top seed Nikolay Davydenko overcame an ankle problem to beat France's Marc Gicquel 6-3 6-3 and move into the quarter-finals of the World Indoor Tournament today.

The Russian world number three took an injury timeout in the first set for treatment to his right ankle but that inconvenience did not stop him breaking Gicquel three times.

''The ankle felt a bit painful therefore I had it taped for protection,'' Davydenko told reporters.

''I sustained the injury during my first round match but the physiotherapist examined it and there is no serious damage,'' the 25-year-old added.

Davydenko will play Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarter-finals tomorrow after the German upset 2006 winner Radek Stepanek 7-6 7-6.

Mikhail Youzhny also reached the last eight, where he faces David Ferrer, after beating wildcard Robin Haase 6-2 6-4.

World number 22 Youzhny kept Haase under pressure, although the 19-year-old brushed aside 17 breakpoints in a total of 20.

Second seed Tommy Robredo of Spain overcame South African Rik de Voest 6-0 6-4 in 79 minutes to set up a quarter-final with Serbian Novak Djokovic.

REUTERS SAM PM2156