SOPOT, Poland -- Martin Vassallo Arguello of Argentina
advanced to the quarterfinals of the Prokom Open on Thursday after
top-seeded Nikolay Davydenko retired with a left foot injury while
trailing 2-6, 6-3, 2-1.
The defending champion at the clay-court event injured his foot
in the first round. The 26-year-old Russian received medical
attention before deciding to retire.
"Normally I try to fight to the end, but it was very painful
and I may have done even more damage by trying to finish the
match," Davydenko said. "Since the beginning of Monday I've had a
problem with my left toes. Today that became a problem with my
foot."
Also Thursday, second-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain overcame a
poor first set and erratic play to down Steve Darcis of Belgium
1-6, 6-0, 7-5.
Robredo next plays Stefan Koubek of Austria, who defeated
Kristof Vliegen of Belgium 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 earlier in the day.
Arguello will play Albert Montanes of Spain for a spot in the
semifinals. Montanes rallied to beat Mariano Zabaleta of Argentina
4-6, 6-3, 7-5 earlier Thursday.