Rafael Nadal has avoided a repeat of last year's surprise third-round exit at the BNP Paribas Open by defeating Donald Young 6-4 6-2.
The American landed a break early on, but the three-time champion went on to hit eight winners and secure six of his eight break points during the 80-minute match.
Nadal will face Gilles Simon of France for a spot in the quarter-finals after the number 13 seed defeated Michael Berrer in straight sets.
The Spaniard last lifted the trophy at Indian Wells in 2013, when he defeated Juan Martin del Potro in the final.
