Mildura VIC Australia, 8 March 2018 | David Packman

Queenslander Thomas Fancutt has upended second seed Andrew Whittington to move into the quarterfinals at the Mildura Grand International.

“I’m feeling pretty ecstatic,” Fancutt said, after the straight sets 7-6 (0) 6-4 victory.

Nothing separated the duo early before they traded breaks ahead of a first set tiebreaker.

“The breaker was a flip of the coin,” Fancutt said. “I had to save a few set points and it felt like a really high level. I got some massive momentum winning that one and going into the second.

“It was a bit of a rollercoaster after that I just tried to keep competing. I got a late break and was able to serve it out which I’m pretty pumped about.”

The current world No.750 said the win was definitely one of the best of his career. “I’ve been working hard so it’s a good start for the rest of the year,” he added. “I’m definitely looking to step up and be a regular on the ATP Challenger tour.

“I’m gearing up for a busy time.”

After making the quarterfinals in his first ever appearance at Mildura several years ago, the 23-year-old now has the opportunity to go further. Standing in in his way is Tasmanian Harry Bourchier, a 6-0 6-4 winner over Calum Puttergill on Thursday.

“We know each other really well but it’s the first time we’ve played competitively,” Fancutt said.

Top seed Marc Polmans also progressed easily, defeating wildcard Kody Pearson. He will meet big-hitting Matthew Barton for a place in the semifinals.

Gold Coast’s Ben Mitchell eliminated American No.8 seed Nicolas Hu and will now play fourth seed Dayne Kelly – who survived a tough three-set encounter against Gavin Van Peperzeel – while a pair of South Australians face off, in last week’s Renmark finalist Luke Saville (No.7) and third seed Bradley Mousley.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.