Nicolas Almagro sees off Paul-Henri Mathieu at Monte Carlo Masters

Nicolas Almagro has sealed his place in round two of the Monte Carlo Masters thanks to a straight-sets victory against French qualifier Paul-Henri Mathieu.

The 15th seed, who has never got beyond the third round of the tournament, took control early on in the first set before coming through 6-3.

The Spaniard then established a commanding 3-0 lead in the second, allowing him to close out the match 6-2.

Waiting for Almagro in the second round is French world number 40 Nicolas Mahut.