David Ferrer has booked his place in the third round of the Barcelona Open courtesy of a 6-2 6-3 victory over compatriot Albert Montanes this afternoon.

The third seed wasted little time in taking control of the match, racing into a 3-0 lead in the opening set before Montanes steadied himself to hold serve.

Ferrer broke again in the final game, however, snapping up a set point at the first time of asking to put himself one up.

Wildcard Montanes made a better start to the second and broke Ferrer in the third game to take a 3-1 lead and threaten to force a decider.

Ferrer responded with back-to-back breaks, however, wresting control of the set off his opponent before serving out to clinch a 6-3 victory.

Ferrer will now face either Nick Kyrgios or Elias Ymer in the third round.