BARCELONA, Spain — Ernests Gulbis has been unable to navigate his first real obstacle at the Barcelona Open.

The obstacle in question was an in-form Spaniard Fernando Verdasco who found little trouble in disposing of “The Gull” in two sets, 6-2, 7-6 (4).

The fifth-seeded Verdasco has been the dominant player in the tournament to date. Meanwhile, Gulbis had done himself no favors in having a relatively easy draw leading up to the quarter-finals.

But in many ways, Gulbis was the dominant player on the night, except for one telling factor. While Verdasco was able to save an unprecedented 8 from 9 break points, Gulbis in the mean time slumped to 0 from 3.

Regardless, Gulbis will continue to climb up the world rankings as he looks to move from the top 35 into the top 20.

His quest will continue next week in Rome when he joins a star-studded field in the Internazionali BNL D’Italia.

Another fine result in Italy will assure him of a favorable draw in the opening rounds of the French Open, just under a month away.

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