Shanghai - Juan Del Potro kept his hopes alive for an extended stay at the Masters Cup, winning a battle of first-time players 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Tuesday.

The Gold group clash between year-end rookies gave the Argentine a 1-1 record and saddled Australian Open finalist Tsonga from France with two defeats from as many matches.

The 17 aces off the racket of Tsonga went for nought, with the Frenchman losing serve once per set in the defeat.

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic was bidding for a 2-0 record in group play as he faced four-time qualifier Nikolay Davydenko of Russia later.

Del Potro, who has a date looming in the Davis Cup final starting in ten days at home in Argentina, took no notice of the split toenail which has hampered his game for more than two months as he notched the win.

The 20-year-old, who made a summer breakthrough with four consecutive titles, twice lost early breaks against Tsonga but managed to scratch through in the tiebreakers which decided a contest lasting just under two hours.

Del Potro posted his second career win against Tsonga after beating him prior to the US Open a year ago. (dpa)