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Nadal made to work by world No. 246

Rafael Nadal is bidding for a seventh Barcelona crown © Getty Images

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Rafael Nadal's early dominance of the clay-court season saw him chalk up a 31st consecutive victory at the Barcelona Open on Thursday, keeping him on course for a seventh title at the event.

Nadal faced Colombian qualifier Robert Farah for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition, and he predictably had far too much for the world No. 246, despite being given an admirable examination by the underdog in a 6-2 6-3 triumph.

Farah had put together back-to-back wins over Pablo Andujar and Arnau Brugues-Davi to book a dream collision with the world No. 2. And to his credit, he produced some memorable stroke-making - particularly off the backhand side, although Nadal clearly had the authority.

A magnificent exchange in the third point of the match saw Nadal slam a forehand winner down the line for 0-40 in the first game, setting up the opening break of serve. He had another chance to penetrate his rival's serve at 3-1 but Farah lent on a sublime backhand to stay in touch.

Nadal eventually did earn himself the cushion of a second break after he became more proactive in rushing to the net, and he wrapped up the first set in 37 minutes.

The Spaniard then appeared to have laid the foundation for victory when he broke in the opening game of the second, but he was immediately answered by Farah who continued to impress as he broke for 1-1. The Colombian began to loosen up and display his full array of strokes, moving to 3-2 in the set.

Nadal was being made to do plenty of the leg-work and his relief showed when he finally found another break for 4-3, pumping his fist as he returned to his stool. Victory followed when Farah double-faulted, which was a far-from-fitting end to his afternoon.

Nadal will now face Janko Tipsarevic in the last eight after the fifth seed beat Frederico Gil 6-2 6-2. Tipsarevic hit nine aces in a match lasting 69 minutes.

Elsewhere, Andy Murray set up a meeting with Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori saw off Albert Ramos 7-6(2) 6-3, and Feliciano Lopez rattled off eight aces en route to a 6-3 6-1 win over Jarkko Nieminen.

David Ferrer is also safely into the next phase, as he dispatched compatriot Albert Montanes 6-0 6-2 in 80 minutes.

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