Sharan, Sitak move to Auckland quarters with win over top seeds

Divij Sharan and his partner Artem Sitak shocked top seeds John Peers and Michael Venus in two close sets to move to quarterfinals of ATP ASB Classic, on Wednesday. Indo-Kiwi pair edged out Australian-Kiwi pair 7-6 (4) 7-6(3) in opening round of USD 610,010 hard court tournament, last in run-up to Australian Open, season's first Grand Slam. Left-handed Sharan and Sitak next face Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen, who got a walkover from Leonardo Mayer and Joao Sousa. Also moving to last-eight st were third seeds Rohan Bopanna from India and Finland's Henri Kontinen, who beat wild card entrants Cameron rrie and Rhett Purcell 6-4 6-2. y are w up against Luke Bambridge and Ben McLachlan.