MASON - August 16, 2006 - Of the eight Americans who entered the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters draw, only two – Andy Roddick and Robby Ginepri – are left standing after two rounds of action. Roddick defeated Belgian Kristof Vliegen 6-4, 6-4, while Ginepri dismissed Dmitry Tursunov of Russia 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday evening.

Roddick broke Vliegen early in the first set and never looked back. Roddick improves his career record in Cincinnati to an impressive 20-5, which includes a championship in 2003 and a runner-up finish last year to Federer.

“I hit the ball well tonight,” said Roddick, the No.9 seed. “I felt like the match was played on my terms, which was good. I felt like I was forcing the issue. So I'm happy, and I hope I can keep that going.”

Ginepri seemed to find the form that brought him much success last summer, as he cruised past Tursunov in just over an hour. Ginepri, the No.15 seed, fired eight aces and never faced a break point.

“Before the match I felt really good, like it was going to be a really progressive match for me,” said Ginepri. “I felt confident before I even went into it. That's how I was feeling last summer. I think it just helps when I get matches under my belt.”

“I like seeing all my boys do well. It's a shame James (Blake) and Mardy (Fish) went down today, but hopefully Andy (Roddick) and I can prevail throughout the tournament.”

Ginepri will next face 19-year-old Andy Murray, who took down defending champion and World No.1 Roger Federer earlier in the day.

Seeds Tommy Robredo and Fernando Gonzalez also scored victories on Wednesday. Seventh seeded Robredo, the ATP Masters Series Hamburg champion, ousted Max Mirnyi 6-4, 6-4, and Gonzalez, the No.13 seed edged American wild card Mardy Fish 7-5, 7-5. Robredo’s Round of 16 opponent will be Frenchman Florent Serra, while Gonzalez takes on wild card Stanislas Wawrinka, an upset winner over No.3 seed David Nalbandian.