Result: Rafael Nadal thumps compatriot Albert Montanes to reach quarter-finals

The mighty Rafael Nadal in action at the Barcelona Open on April 20, 2016
© AFP
Rafael Nadal coasts into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open by sweeping aside compatriot Albert Montanes 6-2 6-2.

Top seed Rafael Nadal cruised into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open with a comfortable straight-sets win over fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes this afternoon.

Nadal managed two breaks of serve en route to a 5-2 lead in the opening set, before pulling out another in the final game to win the opener 6-2.

There looked to be slightly more resistance from the world number 104 - a wildcard entry - early on in the second set as Montanes held serve to keep the score at one game apiece.

However, Nadal, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament, broke him in the fourth game to move 3-1 up, which proved the gap he needed to ultimately seal another 6-2 win and move into the last eight.

Nadal, who has won the competition eight times, will face Fabio Fognini of Italy in the next round as he bids for a ninth title.

Britain's Andy Murray returns the ball to Spain's David Ferrer during their semi-final tennis match at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 indoor tennis tournament in Paris on November 7, 2015.
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