Tennis: Henman storms into last eight

Tim Henman stormed to a 6-1 7-5 success over Spain's German Puentes to reach the quarter-finals of the Franklin Templeton Classic.

The victory improved his record for the year to an impressive 14th win in 17 matches.

The two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist was undeterred by a six-hour delay on a day which started cold and rainy, and remained chilly throughout.

Henman said: "It was Wimbledon-like weather. The rain is a familiar scenario. I've been in this situation many many times.

"You've got to remain patient. It's frustrating, but you've got to be ready to go when it stops."

Henman will face Harel Levy of Israel - who beat Australian Andrew Ilie, conquerer of Pete Sampras in the last round, 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 6-2 - in the last eight.

With top seeds Sampras and Andre Agassi both knocked out, Henman is now joint favourite for the event with Lleyton Hewitt.