Rafael Nadal's dominance on clay continued on Sunday as he clinched the Seat Open in Barcelona with a straight-sets victory over Guillermo Canas.

The Argentinian, who has beaten Roger Federer twice this season, proved no match for the world number two as Nadal extended his winning streak on clay to 72 matches with a 6-3 6-4 victory.

It was also Nadal's 12th consecutive clay court crown and his third on the trot in Barcelona.

He secured victory here by breaking Canas once in each set.

Nadal's last defeat on clay came in April 2005 when Russian Igor Andreev beat him in Valencia.

Afterwards Nadal said: "To win another final, in Barcelona, at my home club, it's a great feeling.

"The first time I won it was like a dream, so what can I say, to win it for a third time, to win my 20th title here, it is an amazing feeling."

Nadal was also full of praise for Canas, who has made a real impact since returning from a drugs ban.

He added: "He has been working very hard and his comeback this season is really impressive and I am very happy for him.

"It shows he is mentally very strong."

Canas was pleased with his display and felt with better luck he could have caused a major upset.

The Argentinian said: "I think my level was good today, the only difference was a few points.

"I had the luck to beat Roger (Federer) twice on hard courts - maybe I didn't have the luck to beat Rafa today.

"But I am very happy with the way I played this week, to reach another final.

"I know I need to improve a few things, but I am not that far away."