Gasquet, 25, is now 6-3 on the 2012 season, which includes quarter-final exits at the Apia International Sydney (l. to Istomin) and the Open Sud de France in Montpellier (l. to Kohlschreiber).

Gasquet's compatriot Paul-Henri Mathieu, a 30-year-old qualifier, beat fourth seed Feliciano Lopez of Spain 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a big-serving encounter over two hours and 51 minutes. Mathieu hit 10 aces and saved eight of nine break points, while Lopez struck 13 aces and won 72 per cent of his service points.

The ATP World Tour 500 indoor hard-court tournament was first contested in 1974.