ANDY MURRAY is through to the third round of the Rome Masters after beating Jeremy Chardy in straight sets.

The Scot, who won his last two events on clay, eased past the Frenchman 6-4, 6-3 in under an hour and a half to record a tenth straight victory on the surface.

Murray had delayed a decision on whether to compete in the Italian capital after winning Masters titles in Munich and then Madrid, defeating Rafael Nadal in the final of the latter. Having elected to compete, however, the 27 year-old has got off to the perfect start.