Two years ago Jan Frode Andersen considered giving up professional tennis because he was displeased with his tournament results.

Last night reminded him why he didn't.

A set down and almost 5-2 down in the second, he produced a sensational about-turn to upset one of the XL Capital Bermuda Open's biggest names Nicolas Lapentti in the evening's feature match on centre court.

The Norwegian's 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3 result is not just a big deal for him but, as he explained, for his Scandinavian birthplace also.

“After high school I went to the army and then to college so when I turned pro I was 25 or 26. I moved up quite quick in the rankings but I got injured and I went back and forth (in the rankings). I was frustrated and I wanted to stop but a friend who is the Davis Cup captain told me to keep trying because I was so gifted,” said 31-year-old Andersen.

“On a day like this I'm really happy I went for it. It's probably the biggest win of my career. He is number 65 in the world. It's fantastic for me and for Norwegian tennis as well because I am the only really good player there.

“There will be a lot of press about this and it gives me a lot of belief that, if I can beat players like that, then I really belong out here and it gives me a goal to keep going.”

Regarding how he played, a buoyant Andersen said he felt like the better player in the first set but he failed to capitalise on several chances. That allowed his Ecuadorean rival to draw first blood with a service break in the set's tenth and decisive game.

“He served fantastically and with so many aces and with such a high percentage of first serves.

“I was a little frustrated in the second set and I played a bad game and he went up 4-2 after breaking me,” recalled the second-round winner.

It could have been worse as Lapentti twice got to within a point of 5-2 advantage but Andersen stood firm to regain the break immediately.

That, the latter noted, was the turning point of the match.

Playing what he termed “a smart tie-breaker”, the smooth-stroking left-hander gradually assumed control with an impatient Lapentti - once among the game's elite players - committing more and more errors.

The South American rallied for a while in the third set at 4-1 down but the end was in sight and it came with a forehand winner into the back court by Andersen that left his advancing opponent with no chance. An obviously distraught Lapentti left the court promptly and refused to speak with the media.

“I was really focused. It was a super atmosphere to play here at night with so many people and the crowd really into it, pushing both players. I live for these moments,” declared Andersen now fancying his chances among the final eight.

He is eager to meet Italy's Martin Vassallo Arguello in the quarter-finals as they have never duelled before.

As for his prospects?

“Well if I can beat Lapentti I can beat anybody here. I've beaten the number-one seed (Luis Horna of Peru) before so why can't I go all the way?” he queried matter-of-factly.

Earlier, Kevin Kim also bounced back splendidly to oust fellow American Robert Kendrick in a three-set, second-round thriller that was punctuated by the latter's fiery outbursts which earned him a conduct warning and evoked stirring memories of his countryman John McEnroe - the ace of tennis' bad boys.

Kendrick, who clearly hasn't watched the movie “Anger Management”, broke a racquet, argued with officials, swatted his cap across court and even kicked over chairs in his tirades but ultimately remained powerless against a relentless Kim who prevailed calmly 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

“He shocked me a bit. I haven't played him in a while. He was hitting really well and fairly deep and kind of caught me off-guard. I regrouped and the second and third (sets) went my way,” said 25-year-old Kim who was inspired by Kendrick's tantrums.

“I worked a little harder and I had better luck today. I ran down a lot of balls.

“I don't know, maybe that helps him but it's a pretty good sign that he is not concentrating as much. I think it was more of an advantage for me.”