World No 1 Rafael Nadal hammered Spanish compatriot David Ferrer 6-2, 6-4 yesterday to win the Barcelona Open for the sixth time in seven editions.

The runaway victory in one hour, 49 minutes puts Nadal into sole third place on the all-time claycourt trophy list with 31 career titles on the surface.


Spaniard Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning yesterday's Barcelona
Open final against compatriot David Ferrer. Nadal won 6-2, 6-4. PIC/AFP

Only Guillermo Vilas, with 45, and Thomas Muster, who won 40, are above him.

Nadal's comprehensive victory over the opponent he beat a week ago for a record seventh Monte Carlo trophy was his 13th in 17 matches played against Ferrer, his good friend and training partner.

"It's unbelievable," said Nadal, who has only lost two claycourt finals, both to Roger Federer.

"I'm very happy to come back and win here after not playing last year (knee injury).

"It was a difficult decision, it's a always a special dream to play in this tournament," he added.