Tokyo - South African tennis star Kevin Anderson reached the quarter-finals of the Japan Open after defeating American Frances Tiafoe on Thursday.
The second-seed was stretched to a deciding set before prevailing 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.
On Tuesday, the world No 9 was also taken to three sets by Australia's Matthew Ebden.
Anderson will next face eight-seeded Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who defeated Australia's Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1).