Murray, Youzhny claim first-round wins

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Highly seeded Andy Murray and Mikhail Youzhny each posted solid straight-set wins Tuesday in the first round of the $1 million St. Petersburg Open in Russia.

Murray, seeded second, had no trouble with Max Mirnyi, winning 6-2, 6-2, and Youzhny, the No. 3 seed, beat Justin Gimelstob, 6-2, 6-4, in the second day of action at the indoor tournament.

Fourth-seeded Potito Starace also advanced to the second round but needed to rally against Kristof Vliegen for a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) victory.

Defending St. Petersburg Open champion Mario Ancic topped Nicolas Lapentti, 6-4, 6-1, and earned a second-round slot against Youzhny.

Also winning first-round matches Tuesday were Marin Cilic, Mikhail Ledovskikh, Nicolas Massu, Simone Bolelli and Lukas Dlouhy.

The 2007 St. Petersburg Open champion, who will be decided Sunday, will earn $142,000.