The 2016 final of the Estoril Open will get an early replay when defending champion Nicolas Almagro takes on Pablo Carreno Busta after both posted straight-set victories in the round of 16.
The quarter-final showdown will be played on Friday at an event which lost major drawcard Juan Martin Del Potro after the popular Argentine had to withdraw and head home upon news of the passing of his grandfather.
The hard-luck tournament also lost 2015 finalist Nick Kyrgios under similar circumstances last week due to the death of his own grandfather.
Carreno Busta beat fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo 7-6 (5) 7-5 in two hours while Almagro was untroubled by local hope Gaston Elias in a 6-1 6-2 rout.
Carreno Busta is playing as the top seed an ATP event for only the second time in his career. He now stands 19-11 this season and 13-6 on clay.
The Spaniard finished runner-up in Rio in February to Dominic Thiem.
Almagro, ranked No.86, is trying to improve on a modest season, where he stands 5-6, with a Doha quarter-final his best result
"It was my best performance this year. I won many points with my forehand and I served very well. He made many mistakes and I was very consistent," Almagro said after seven aces and four breaks of serve.
"The quarter-final will be a tough match. I hope it's as beautiful as the final last year, which was spectacular.
"I'll work with my physio to recover well and hope I can keep my winning momentum."
Former champion and second seed Richard Gasquet advanced in his opening match after a bye, beating Carlos Berlocq of Argentina 6-1 6-4.
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