Spaniards dominated early action at the Majorca Open yesterday with both Juan Balcells and Galo Blanco cruising into the second round. Balcells disposed of Frenchman Anthony Depuis 7-5, 6-4, while Blanco had little trouble on the way to a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 victory over South Korean Hyung-Taik Lee. But the real hero of the day was local youngster Rafael Nadal. The highly talented Nadal, just 15 years old, defeated Ramon Delgado of Paraguay 6-4, 6-4 to progress into the second round. Nadal is congratulated by the injured Carlos Moya. World number two Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, recovering from an operation on his right hip two months ago, is in action today against Nikolay Davydenko of Russia.
Nadal safely through at Majorca Open