Milos Raonic through to Barcelona last eight

Milos Raonic has defeated Ernest Gulbis in straight sets to progress through to the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open.

The big-serving Canadian had too much firepower for his Latvian opponent, and he made it through to the last eight with a 6-2 7-6 triumph.

The world number 13 broke serve twice in the opening set to take the early advantage in the match, but Gulbis displayed signs of a recovery early in the second to keep the set level at 3-3.

Raonic squandered an opportunity to break serve in the seventh game before Gulbis held on, and the set continued until a tie-break.

The 22-year-old quickly established a 5-2 lead, and despite Gulbis fighting back for 6-6, Raonic held his nerve to seal the win.