Lindsay Davenport saved two match points to beat Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 3-6 7-5 6-2 and reach the quarter-finals of the Zurich Open.

The American's victory means she will begin an 85th week as the world number one on Monday.

It will be her eighth period as the top-ranked player after first claiming the spot in October 1998.

Davenport, the top seed, looked ragged for most of the match with Hantuchova, committing a succession of errors.

"I knew it would be tough," said Davenport. "I didn't feel I was playing my best or striking the ball that well, but I still managed to win despite the circumstances."

After claiming the first set and earning an early break in the second, Hantuchova held two match points at 5-4.

But Davenport struck a backhand volley winner on the first and Hantuchova hit a forehand long on the second to bring the game to deuce. Davenport then broke for 5-5 with a crosscourt return and a double-fault.

Davenport had to hold off two break points in the next game, but Hantuchova put an easy forehand wide and then made another forehand error to give Davenport a further break and the set.

Davenport began the final set by breaking her deflated opponent to love to lead 2-0 and although Hantuchova broke back immediately she handed Davenport the lead once more by double-faulting when down 3-2.

Davenport then gave up just two points in the final two games.

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