Top seed Juan Martin del Potro made light work of what looked to be a tough clash on paper as he beat seventh seed Albert Montanes 6-2 6-2.
Between them the two players have won the last three editions of the tournament with Del Potro the defending champion and Montanes having won it in 2009 and 2010.
De Potro will next meet third seed Stanislas Wawrinka who defeated sixth seed Robin Haase 6-1 6-4. The Swiss number two improved his record over the Dutchman to 4-0 with the victory.
Second seed Richard Gasquet progressed with a 7-6(1) 6-2 victory over Spaniard qualifier Daniel Munoz-De La Nava.
The Frenchman will now face fourth seed Albert Ramos who beat Joao Sousa 6-2 6-3.
