South African number one Kevin Anderson will face Spanish world number 20 Fernando Verdasco in the third round of the Barcelona Open after edging past a qualifier on Wednesday.
Anderson, ranked 32nd in the world, beat Argentine Federico Delbonis in straight sets but was made to work hard for a 7-6, 7-6 second-round victory.
He is expected to be tested even further by Verdasco, the former world number seven, who won in Barcelona two years ago.
They square up on Thursday for a place in the quarterfinals. – Sapa