Norman marches on in Swedish Open
( 2001-07-13 13:27 ) (7 )

Defending champion Magnus Norman reached the Swedish Open quarter-finals with a 6-4 6-3 win over Australian Andrew Ilie on Thursday.

Top seed Norman played solidly from the backcourt and was never threatened by Ilie in the rain delayed match.

"I had no trouble to concentrate on the match despite the delay," said Norman, who went out in the first round of the French Open.

"It really felt good today and I am more motivated now than I was in Paris."

Norman will face Belgian Christophe Rochus, a 6-1 6-1 winner over American Michael Russell, in the last eight.

"If I play as I did today there should not be any problems for me to reach the semifinals," Norman said.

Third seed Albert Portas of Spain also reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 3-6 6-3 victory over Argentine Jose Acasuso while Czech Bohdan Ulihrach defeated Fernando Meligeni 7-5 6-4.