MADRID, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Former number one Juan Carlos Ferrero completed a 6-4, 7-6 (7-1) win over Alberto Martin to sail through to third round of the Barcelona tennis open on Wednesday.

    Ferrero, who won the trophy five years ago, made additional improvement on his preferred clay as he eliminated his Spanish countryman in just under two hours.

    The tenth seed was joined as a home winner by Alberto Portas, who put out Czech ninth seed Tomas Berdych 7-6 (8-6), 6-3.

    Ferrero earned his fifth victory in eight matches over Martin as he produced his tenth win of 2006 against eight defeats.

    Spanish tennis teen Rafael Nadal was starting his week after beating Roger Federer to lift a second consecutive Monte Carlo title. The world number two was playing compatriot Feliciano Lopez,who beat him three years ago in indoor tournaments.

    Spanish seeds Tommy Robredo, the number six defending champion, and number 13 Fernando Verdasco were also taking on second-round opponents of Italy's Potito Starace and Argentine Agustin Calleri respectively.    Enditem