Mikhail Youzhny has secured a place in the second round of the Rome Masters by seeing off Tommy Haas 6-4 6-3.

Thirteenth seed Haas looked likely to take a strong lead in the encounter as he broke his opponent at the first time of asking, but Youzhny responded instantly by breaking back and holding to stay in contention.

Youzhny's powerful serves and precise forehand shots kept him in control to take the first set with ease, while maintaining his dominance in the second.

Haas struggled to find his form and Youzhny took full advantage as he grabbed a vital break point to push on and wrap up the victory.