Dan Evans into quarter-finals at Nottingham Challenger

Dan Evans has recorded a hard-fought victory over Sergiy Stakhovsky to reach the quarter-finals of the Nottingham Challenger.

The former British number two is looking to move himself up the ATP standings after a year-long drugs ban and the Birmingham-based player has guaranteed himself a place inside the world's top 450 next week with a 7-5 7-6 triumph over Stakhovsky.

Both sets at the East Midlands event were competitive but two breaks of serve proved enough for Evans to edge into the lead against a player who has previously defeated Roger Federer at Wimbledon.

Stakhovsky established an early lead in the second but Evans clawed his way back before sealing a tie-break by a 7-2 scoreline.

Evans will now take on Canadian qualifier Brayden Schnur for a place in the last four.