Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori continue Barcelona Open challenge
Thursday 21 April 2016 23:22, UK
Rafael Nadal must take on Albert Montanes, another fellow Spaniard, in his pursuit for the Barcelona Open title on Thursday.
Live ATP Tennis
You can see Nadal against Albert Montanes plus a host of other exciting matches from 12.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
Spain's top player Nadal defeated Barcelona's own Marcel Granollers in Wednesday's second-round match and now finds another fellow countryman blocking his route to glory.
Montanes is the world No 104 and hasn't yet beaten Nadal in three attempts - they haven't met since the 2014 Rio Open, another clay court event.
One to watch
Kei Nishikori is the defending champion but finds himself pitted against a dangerous challenger in just the third-round.
The Japanese player will meet Jeremy Chardy, the 13th seed, on Thursday - Nishikori has previously won three of their five matches but the Frenchman won their sole clay meeting in Rome three years ago.
Potential upset?
Fabio Fognini, whose preferred surface is clay, could spring a surprise against eighth seed Viktor Troicki.
The 12th seed Fognini shares a 2-2 head-to-head record with Troicki, with both players having won one match on clay apiece.
Watch the Barcelona Open on Thursday from 12.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
