Nadal claims clay-court winning century

BARCELONA: Rafael Nadal's clay-court juggernaut roared ahead on Thursday, the Spaniard winning his 100th match from 101 on the surface to reach the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open.

Nadal worked for one hour, 45 minutes to beat friend and 16th seed Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 6-3.

The three-time Roland Garros champion has not been beaten on his favored surface since starting in the Monte Carlo first round three years ago.