Indian Wells, March 15:

Andy Murray added to his strong start this season with a 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory over Nikolay Davydenko in Wednesday’s fourth round of the Pacific Life Open. The 19-year-old Murray from Scottland, Murray has won 18 of 21 matches in 2007, including successfully defending his title at San Jose.

Murray is continuing his steady climb up the rankings, jumping from No 514 in 2004 to 65th in 2005 to 17th last season.

His victory over Davydenko was his second in four meetings, the first coming in the semi-finals at Doha in January.

Tommy Haas extended his match record this year to 20-3, the most wins on the tour, with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Fernando Gonzalez. Haas had lost both his previous matches against Gonzalez, including a defeat in the Australian Open semi-finals in January.

David Ferrer of Spain defeated countryman Carlos Moya 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in another fourth-round match.

In the women’s field, Daniela Hantuchova defeated Shahar Peer 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (5) to move into the semi-finals. Earlier, Li Na downed Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 7-5 in their quarter-final.

No 17 Li had defeated No 9 Jelena Jankovic in straight sets a day earlier, and had her game going again against Zvonareva, keeping the Russian on the run with her accurate ground strokes. Li bounced back to wrap up the victory after she was down set point twice in the 10th game of the second set.