David Nalbandian destroyed fellow Argentine Guillermo Canas 6-4 6-2 6-1 to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals for the second year running. Canas, who came from two sets down to beat Tim Henman in the third round, was never given an opportunity to repeat the heroics against Nalbandian.
The eighth seed broke Canas in the third game of the match and from then on broke serve at will.
Nalbandian faces number two seed Roger Federer in the last eight.
The 2002 Wimbledon finalist has yet to drop a set in four matches.
"I feel very comfortable on the court and maybe he was a little tired from the last match," Nalbandian said.
 |  I think he's one of the best chances to take the title |
That opinion was endorsed by Canas, whose service game disintegrated as he conceded seven double-faults. "I paid the price for my last two five-set matches," Canas said.
"He made me run too much in the beginning of the match and then I started to get tired... I have a problem with my legs."
Nalbandian, by contrast, is reaping the benefits of a hard conditioning regime work.
Canas, for one, believes he is capable of going on to take the title.
"He is playing unbelievable tennis and now he is in the quarter-final everything is possible," he added.
"I think he's one of the best chances to take the title."
MMIX
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