The 20-time Grand Slam champion claimed a comfortable 7-5, 6-4 win at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to maintain his pursuit of a record sixth title at the event.

Chung Hyeon awaits for the Swiss star in the next round after the South Korean beat Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas 6-1, 6-3.

It will be a repeat of the Australian Open semi-final in Melbourne last year, won by Federer after Chung was forced to retire in the second set with blisters.

"I was honestly quite surprised how quickly he came back," Federer said.

"Because that thing looked nasty, and it takes some time to heal. 

"But he seems fine, and he played a great match today. 

"So I'm excited to play against him."

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro also progressed to the last eight as he overcame compatriot Leonardo Mayer 3-6, 7-6, 6-3.

Del Potro will go up against Philipp Kohlschreiber for a place in the semi-finals after the German beat Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 7-6.

America's Sam Querrey booked his quarter-final spot with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Spaniard Feliciano Lopez.

Querrey will face Canadian Milos Raonic after his opponent Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus withdrew because of illness.

"I came to have a hit and didn't feel myself," said Baghdatis.

"I didn't feel well to go out there. 

"I'm really sorry to the fans who wanted to see this match. 

"I'm a bit disappointed myself."

The tournament is due to continue tomorrow.