Sargsian reeled off nine games in a row

Armenia's Sargis Sargsian overcame the Melbourne crowd and Mark Philippoussis' serve to move into the last 16 of the Australian Open.

Sargsian recovered from a slow start to record a 5-7 7-5 6-0 6-4 victory in front of Philippoussis' home town fans in the Rod Laver Arena.

Sargsian raised his game on the crucial points as a tired-looking Philippoussis struggled in the oppressive heat.

In the second and third sets Sargsian rattled off nine games in a row as Philippoussis' game fell apart.

The Australian battled back in the fourth, but eventually succumbed to Sargsian's superior fitness and speed.

Sargsian will now face South Africa's Wayne Ferreira in the last 16.