Fernando Verdasco progresses in Paris

Spaniard Fernando Verdasco has booked his place in the second round of the French Open with a 6-3 6-2 7-6 win over Belgium's Steve Darcis.

The number fourteen seed edged a close first set against his battling opponent, but look more convincing in the second.

Darcis put in a stronger performance himself in the final set, but never lookeded like causing an upset despite his opponent needing a tie-break to wrap things up.

Verdasco will play the winner of the game between Gilles Muller and Igor Sijslingin the second round.