Paris: Roger Federer stayed on course for the year-end No.1 battle with Novak Djokovic after rallying past Jeremy Chardy to advance to the BNP Paribas Masters round of 16 here, while Andy Murray moved closer to qualifying for next month's tennis World Tour Finals.

Federer, the World No.2 from Switzerland missed two match points in the second set but eventually wrapped up a 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 6-4 win, with two aces against the local favourite in the deciding game Wednesday, reported Xinhua.