Federer ends Pouille's Paris run

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Federer, ranked second in the world, could still overhaul Djokovic before the end of the year, depending on his results in Paris and at the World Tour Finals in London next month, and he took another step towards that goal with a 6-4 6-4 over French qualifier Pouille.

Djokovic overcame Gael Monfils 6-3 7-6 (7-2) to set up a quarter-final clash with eighth seed Andy Murray, who sealed his place in the World Tour Finals on Thursday.

Pouille, who is ranked 176th, had defeated world number 27 Ivo Karlovic and 16th seed Fabio Fognini on his way to the third round in Paris, but the 20-year-old's progress was halted as Federer lost just 12 points on his serve.

Federer finally cracked the stubborn Pouille in the seventh game of the second set - which lasted nine minutes - converting his fifth break point of the game.

The victory sets up a last-eight meeting with seventh seed Milos Raonic, who is still battling to reach the ATP finale in London, which begins on November 9.

Raonic defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5 7-6 (9-7), while Kei Nishikori won 6-1 4-6 6-4 against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer trumped Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-2, and Kevin Anderson prevailed 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 7-6 (7-3) against Stanislas Wawrinka.

Earlier, Murray secured one of the eight berths at the World Tour Finals by beating Grigor Dimitrov.

The Briton gained revenge for his Wimbledon quarter-final defeat against the big-serving Bulgarian in July with a 6-3 6-3 victory.

Murray is the fifth player to qualify for the season-ending event in London, joining Djokovic, Federer, Wawrinka and Marin Cilic.

Defeat for Dimitrov ended his hopes of playing in the lucrative tournament, as he needed to reach the semi-finals to have any chance of prolonging his season.

Murray has hit form when it mattered, winning three of his last five events.

The 27-year-old was out on his feet after beating Tommy Robredo in the Valencia Open final on Sunday, but there were no signs of fatigue as he outclassed Dimitrov in one hour and 10 minutes.

"It's nice to make the World Tour Finals. It's a great event, it's fun to finish the year in London in front of packed houses," Murray told Sky Sports.

"Since the French Open, I think I've played well to be honest.

"If I can keep winning and moving up the rankings that would be great, but I would have to play great tennis for the next few months."

World number five Tomas Berdych moved a step closer to claiming one of the two remaining spots in London by beating Feliciano Lopez 7-5 6-3.

Berdych will be assured of qualifying if he reaches the last four this week. 

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