Nicolas Almagro moved into round three of the Monte Carlo Masters at the expense of Potito Starace this afternoon.

There was little to separate the players during the opening set as numerous service games were traded.

The set headed into a tie-break, which Almagro took advantage of from the outset before going on to win 7-3.

The next set proved to be more straightforward for the Spaniard, who dropped just one game on his way to wrapping up a 7-6 6-1 win over his Italian opponent.

Almagro will now take on Stanislas Wawrinka for a place in round four.