The Boodles Challenge got off to a flying start with wins for Richard Gasquet, Tommy Haas and David Nalbandian at Stoke Park.

Under sunny summer skies, Gasquet got the better of his compatriot Gael Monfils with an entertaining 7-6, 4-6, 10-6 win in the first match of the tournament.

Haas, who had not played on a grass court for two years, showed few signs of rustiness against Tommy Robredo in the second match of the day, winning 7-6, 6-3.

Boodles' crowd favorite Nalbandian made a welcome return for what is his eighth visit to Stoke Park and enjoyed a highly competitive joust with Viktor Troicki, beating the popular Serbian 3-6, 7-6, 10-4.

"It is a nice place to play and there are not many chances to play on grass before Wimbledon - that is why I always play here," maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk quoted the Argentinian as saying.

In the next round, Nalbandian will face Gasquet.