Jo-Wilfried Tsonga remains in contention for the Shanghai Masters title after defeating fellow countryman Benoit Paire 7-6(7) 7-5.
The 27-year-old has clinched a spot in the third round of the tournament but it was not without a challenge in the early stages of the clash as both games went by the way of serve in the opening set.
A tie-break was needed to decide who would take the lead in China and it was Tsonga who used his trademark power to edge it and grab the set.
Both competitors struggled in the second set to grab a break and the clash looked likely to enter another tie break but it was Tsonga who snatched the vital break to push on and wrap up the contest in just under two hours.
