British teenager Andy Murray moved a step closer to breaking into the world's top 100 with a 6-2 6-4 win over George Bastl at the Thailand Open.
If the 18-year-old wildcard overcomes fifth seed Robin Soderling in the second round, his ranking will reach double figures for the first time.
Murray also beat Bastl in the first round of Wimbledon this year.
Bastl was a member of the Swiss team which defeated Great Britain in the Davis Cup at the weekend.
He defeated David Sherwood on Sunday after Switzerland had already won the tie but he was no match for Murray on Tuesday.
"It was pretty tough as I only arrived on Monday and didn't have much time to
get used to the courts and the change of surface, but I played pretty well," said Murray.
"George had the same trip as me as he was playing for Switzerland over the
weekend in the Davis Cup so it was the same for both of us.
"I played very solid. I don't think he made many mistakes, but I returned really, really well.
"I think I got at least two points in every one of his service games. He may not have played his best match, but I played really, really well."
On the second day of action in Bangkok, there were mixed fortunes for the local favourites.
Third seed Robby Ginepri came from a set down to defeat Danai Udomchoke 4-6 6-3 6-1.
But Thai number one Paradorn Srichapan had few problems overcoming Taiwan's Ti Chen 6-3 6-4.
Top seed and defending champion Roger Federer and second seed Lleyton Hewitt are in action on Wednesday.
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MMIX
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Well done Andy - a good win
