Great Britain's Andy Murray has advanced through at the Rome Masters courtesy of a 6-1 4-6 7-5 win over David Nalbandian.

Murray began the brighter of the two players in the Italian capital, claiming two of his Argentinian opponent's service games on his way to wrapping up a 6-1 success from the opening set.

However, Nalbandian reacted positively to break Murray's service game in the next set on his way to forcing a decider courtesy of a 6-4 triumph.

Nalbandian looked to be heading for victory when Murray committed a double fault to give his opponent a 3-1 advantage in the third set.

The lead did not last too long though, as Murray broke back at the first time of asking.

With the scores level at five games apiece, Murray claimed what proved to be a crucial break to open up a 6-5 winning margin, leaving him serving for the match.

Despite finding himself 15-40 down, Murray fought back to win the game and seal his place in round three.