Greg Rusedski stayed on course to overtake Tim Henman as the British number one by breezing through the first round of the Paris Masters. The 32-year-old wrapped up a straightforward 6-3 6-4 victory over Italy's Andreas Seppi.
Rusedski was not at his best but had too much for qualifier Seppi, breaking once in the opening set and coming back from 2-0 down in the second.
Rusedski must beat Nikolay Davydenko in round two to overtake Henman.
"There will be a lot at stake for me because if I win I will go to British number one for the end of the season," said Rusedski.
"I'd love to finish this season as strong as I possibly could. It's been a long road for me.
"I want to prove my rank and finishing British number one would mean a lot."
But the Briton faces a difficult second-round tie in Paris as he comes up against third seed Davydenko.
The big-serving Russian, who is the world number seven, is aiming to secure his place in the season-ending Masters Cup for the top eight players in the rankings.
In other matches, Feliciano Lopez battled back from a set down to defeat Xavier Malisse 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 in Paris.
Tomas Berdych beat Jiri Novak in straight sets to advance while Belgian Kristof Vliegen upset compatriot Christophe Rochus.
American James Blake beat Christophe's brother Olivier Rochus 6-4 6-3 in the late match.
MMIX
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