one-time doubles partner Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden to reach the quarterfinals of the $375,000 Salem Open yesterday.

Rafter worked through three tough sets before disposing of Bjorkman in an energy-sapping 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 victory on Centre Court at Victoria Park.

The 27-year-old two-time US Open champion will go on to meet third-ranked Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil today. They will be vying for a place in Saturday's semi-finals.

Kuerten, the reigning French Open champion, ousted Armenia's Sargis Sargsian 6-2, 7-5.

Rafter and Bjorkman teamed up to win the 1999 Australian Open doubles title, making last night's victory all the more difficult to accomplish, Rafter said.

"He knows my game and I know his. Against Jonas, you have to be careful. You can't give him too much confidence,'' said Rafter, a two-time finalist in Hong Kong.

Australia's Mark Philippoussis also needed three sets before overcoming American Chris Woodruff in a come-from-behind victory. Philippoussis, seeded fourth in Hong Kong, won 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-3.

Unseeded Sergi Bruguera of Spain defeated Chile's sixth-seeded Marcelo Rios, in the tournament's first upset, 2-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4. Their match, last on the card, did not end until early this morning. Bruguera was to play Philippoussis this evening for a place in Saturday's semi-finals.

Action man: Pat Rafter shapes to play a backhand during his victory over former doubles partner Jonas Bjorkman.