Clinical Ljubicic reaches last eight in China

BEIJING, Sep 14 (Reuters) Top seed Ivan Ljubicic was efficiency itself in disposing of American Kevin Kim 6-3 6-4 to take his place in the quarter-finals of the China Open today.

What the shaven-headed Croatian lacked in flamboyance, he made up for in technique and tactical acumen -- the world number three biding his time as Kim showed glimpses of his best game with some fine passing shots.

A break for a 5-3 lead was enough to take the first set while another early in the second put him on the path to a last eight appointment with Lee Hyung-Taik.

He sealed the match when 89th ranked Kim went long with a forehand after an hour and seven minutes.

Eighth seeded Lee was pushed to his limits by Germany's Michael Berrer in the opening match of the day on Centre Court, finally securing his passage to the last eight 4-6 7-6 7-6.

The match went down to the third set tie break, when the 30-year-old South Korean won seven points in a row to recover a 4-0 deficit and set up the meeting with Ljubicic.

''Before every match I tell myself, 'It'll be a long match, but I'll still do my best','' Lee told reporters. ''In the final tie break I told myself, don't give up, I should win.'' Reuters AY VV1728