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Kratochvil in blistering form in Barcelona

Kratochvil was too hot for Robredo Keystone Archive

Switzerland's Michel Kratochvil is through to his second ATP quarterfinal of the year after a stunning straight sets victory over Spain's Tommy Robredo in the $900,000 Barcelona Open.

The 22-year-old, from Bern, ranked 77 in the world, swept the Spaniard aside 6-1 6-0 in just 49 minutes to book a clash with Spain’s Albert Portas.

In the previous round, Robredo, ranked 84, had knocked out the in-form Sebastien Grosjean of France, but he proved no match for the Swiss.

“My success this week is all down to hard work. I feel I’m now ready for bigger things,” said Kratochvil after the match.

Kratochvil lost in his last quarterfinal appearance in Marseille in February to his compatriot, Roger Federer.

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