Intro:

Wins for Federer, Djokovic, Raonic and Nishikori in the late third round action from Paris on Thursday.

Script:

Seventh seed Milos Raonic faced 11th seed Roberto Bautista in his third round match at the Paris Masters on Thursday.

The 23 year old Canadian is currently tenth in the race to compete in the ATP Tour finals in London next month, and will need to lift the title here in Paris to book his place there.

He gave a trademark big serving display, firing down a total of 23 aces in edging out his Spanish opponent 7-5, 7-6 (7) after an hour and 44 minutes on court, to book his place in the final eight.

Sixth seed Kei Nishikori is also in with a chance of competing in the season finale in London.

A four time champion on the ATP Tour this season, he took on 10th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who showed impressive form in front of his home crowd.

24 year old Nishikori was stretched to three sets by his opponent, but eventually closed out a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win to book his place in the quarter finals in Paris.

Roger Federer maintained his bid to reclaim the top spot in the world rankings when he beat French qualifier Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-4.

It extended his current winning streak to 14 matches and he will now face Raonic for a place in the final four.

Novak Djokovic wrapped up the days action with his third round match against Gael Monfils.

With Monfils only reaching this stage of the tournament with a win over John Isner earlier in the day - it was Djokovic who triumphed.

The world number one took a 6-3 7-6 win to set up a meeting with Andy Murray for a place in the semi-finals.