RAFA NADAL roared back into form blowing away unknown Russian Mikhail Ledovskikh 6-4, 6-0 and served notice of his intent to reclaim the title he won two years ago.

The 2006 Dubai champion played his baseline game with an unerring precision and will surely have caught the attention of the other big guns at the Aviation Club. Rafa was a bit out of touch in the first round against the big-serving German Philipp Kohlschreiber. But on centre court yesterday, the world No.2 dominated from start to finish and is now gaining momentum as the championship moves towards the business end of the week.

He broke the world No.171 in the ninth game and won every game from there. And the Spaniard was in bullish mood ahead of today’s quarter-finals. “I finished the match with a lot of confidence. I am hitting the ball better with the forehand and with the backhand a little bit better too. I am seeing the ball better so I’m happy about that,” he said.

And then continued. “I was pleased with my serve today - it was very good for me,” added the Spaniard.