David Nalbandian has defeated Ernests Gulbis 7-5 6-4 in the first round of the Shanghai Masters.

In front of a nearly empty arena, Nalbandian started well when he was handed a break midway through the first set after a double fault from Gublis, who but broke back two sets later.

With the set tied at 5-5, Nalbandian broke again and served out to take the set 7-5.

The second set went with serve until Nalbandian broke midway at 2-3 and then served out the match to make it 7-5 6-4.

Nalbandian advances to face Florian Mayer.