MARSEILLE, France - Seventh-seeded Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win against Daniel Brands in the first round of the Open 13 in Marseille on Monday.
The 24-year-old Baghdatis, a runner-up at the Australian Open in 2006, proved too strong on serve, saving the only break point he faced and winning 85 per cent of his first-serve points.
He broke his German opponent three times and next plays either Michael Llodra or Edouard Roger-Vasselin in the second round of the indoor hardcourt event.
Llodra was runner-up to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga last year in an all-French final.
Florent Serra of France also advanced in straight sets, beating Igor Kunitsyn of Russia 6-3, 6-3. Serra did not face a single break point and converted all three of his breakpoint chances.
Later Monday, David Guez of France was playing Mischa Zverez of Germany
