News » efending champion? Are we watchin

As Rafael Nadal targets another title at the Barcelona Open, we asked Barry Cowan five key questions about the clay court tournament. Vapormax Blanche Pas Cher . The Spaniard made a triumphant start to this years clay campaign when he took the trophy at last weekends Monte Carlo Masters, beating Gael Monfils in the final.An impressive semi-final victory over Andy Murray was further evidence of Nadals improved form, but can he claim back-to-back titles in Barcelona, where Kei Nishikori is the defending champion? Are we watching Rafas revival? Nadal defeated Gael Monfils in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters I felt that first set between Rafa and Dominic Thiem was the biggest difference. Nadal saved 15 of 16 break points and the way he saved them - he was not playing with any fear. Nadal was playing with a lot of confidence and it was reminiscent of Rafa at his best.After that first set, he didnt look back. When you come through those moments it gives you a lot of self-belief. When he was set down against Andy Murray, or lost the second set to Gael Monfils, he moved on quickly and got on with the task. That is one of Rafas best attributes.Is Nadal the man to beat? The Spaniard has dominated the clay court campaign in past years Traditionally once Rafa builds momentum then he never looks back. He had the advantage last week of Novak Djokovic losing. I think he had to win a tournament like that, once Djokovic was no longer standing in the way.Again this week, Rafa must play with the same freedom, back himself, and I do expect him to do that. Rafa still has got great tennis in him and its amazing, even in two or three matches, how your aura can switch around.Can Kei ruin Rafas run? Kei Nishikori was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Masters Kei played great in Miami. That match with Monfils was certainly one of the best matches that I saw during those two weeks.Given how well Gael played last week in Monte Carlo, it really shows Keis form at the moment. He is an exceptional player on clay and will be there or thereabouts. Nishikori will be hoping to kick-start his clay court season.Best of the rest in Barca? David Ferrer pulled out of the Monte Carlo tournament due to injury It will be interesting to see how third seed David Ferrer performs. Obviously he missed last week in Monte Carlo. Its a big week for him, because he needs to rack up some points, otherwise he will be going in the wrong direction.Benoit Paire gave Andy Murray a real scare last week, but he will continually flatter to deceive. One of the most talented players out there and at times he looks like a world-beater, but then in the flick of a switch, he can self-destruct.Important step towards Paris? Nadal will be seeking a 10th title at the French Open This is another key tournament for players to prepare for the French Open. Is Rafa able to play at that high level for two weeks running? When Rafa was at his best, it was a given. I was incredibly impressed with Rafa, but he needs to show that same form coming into this week.Hes the main man to be shot at and its something he has coped well with over the years. It will be fascinating to see how he performs.Watch live coverage of the Barcelona Open on Sky Sports this week. Also See: Sky Live: Barcelona Open Nadal claims Monte Carlo title Murray: Best man won Rafa beats Murray in Monte Carlo Vapormax Plus Destockage . "Theyve both been real good," said Babcock. "Havent changed our minds." A decision has seemingly been made - Sundays Group B-deciding tilt against Finland ahead - but it could not have been an easy one. Price opened the tournament with a sturdy 19-save performance against the Norwegians, yielding just one goal. Basket Vapormax Blanche . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said. http://www.vapormaxsolde.fr/ . Most important, perhaps, it went off without a hitch. Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short. Champion trainer Chris Waller has appealed the severity of a $30,000 fine handed to him after a horse from his stable tested positive for methylamphetamine.Betcha Thinking returned a positive result for the drug known as ice after running second at Canterbury on October 5 but the source of the horses contamination remained a mystery.While stewards did not blame Waller at an inquiry on Friday they wanted to send a message with the hefty fine and were critical of security measures in his stable. Nike Vapormax Pas Cher Zalando. Stewards and Waller conducted drug tests on the stables staff but agreed the one person who tested positive to methylamphetamine was unlikely to have come in contact with Betcha Thinking.A date is yet to be set for Wallers appeal hearing. ' ' '