MASON - August 17, 2006 - Andy Roddick maintained the pursuit of his second Cincinnati title, powering his way past Juan Ignacio Chela Thursday evening at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters to set up a quarterfinal battle with another Andy: Andy Murray.

Roddick, the last American standing in the singles draw following the exit of Robby Ginepri in earlier third-round action, came into the match boasting a 5-1 advantage over the Argentine and wasted no time in continuing his dominance. He rolled through the first set with confidence, winning 83 percent of his first serve points and firing six aces. He followed up the opening set by trading breaks with Chela before closing out the match, 6-3, 6-4.

"I could honestly tell in the first two or three games last night that I turned the corner and was hitting the ball crisp, so I know I'm gonna at least play well the rest of the time I'm here. Hopefully, that will translate to wins," said Roddick.

With his 21st event victory, Roddick reached the quarterfinals for the fifth time - a feat also accomplished by Brad Gilbert, the coach of his next opponent. He also ensured the presence of at least one American quarterfinalist in Cincinnati, a streak dating back to 1899.

Murray currently owns a perfect 2-0 over Roddick, defeating the American on hard courts in the San Jose semifinals and on grass at Wimbledon.

"He's been on a bit of a hot streak, so unlike the two times before we've played, people probably might give him the edge right now with how he's been playing, and he's been playing a lot more frequently than I have," said Roddick. "It will be a little bit of a different match. I feel like I'm hitting the ball better right now than I have going into any of the other two matches against him."

In the evening's other singles match, No. 10 seed David Ferrer completed the quarterfinal draw by defeating Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, 7-5, 6-4 to cap off a successful Thursday in Cincinnati for the Spanish contingent.

Coupled with Rafael Nadal, Tommy Robredo and Juan Carlos Ferrero's Round of 16 victories earlier in the day, the Spaniards set an all-time tournament record (since 1899). The most number of Spaniards in the quarterfinal draw prior to this year was two, in 1997, 2002 and 2004.

It is also the first time since 1990 that six seeded players have advanced to the Cincinnati quarterfinals.