VINA DEL MAR, Chile Nicolas Massu's first round victory over Magnus Norman in front of home fans at Vina del Mar has lifted the pressure from his shoulders, the Chilean number three said.

"Sometimes you have a lot of pressure here," Massu said after his 6-1 7-6 victory over the Swedish former world number two on Monday night.

"But now, after this win, I am much more relaxed. It was a tough match he was never out of it even at 6-1 5-3 -- that is why he was number two in the world.

"But I just had to play my game. I am playing well at the moment, perhaps the best tennis of my life and I hope to continue playing like this."

The 22-year-old Massu will face Brazilian qualifier Julio Silva in the second round of the $400,000 tournament, Reuters reported.

Silva eliminated third-seeded Spaniard Alberto Martin 6-4 6-4 on Monday.

Massu joins his 21-year-old compatriot, Fernando Gonzalez, in progressing to the next stage of this ATP tournament. Gonzalez, a wild card entry, comfortably triumphed 6-4 6-0 over Argentinian Agustin Calleri, ranked 71 in the world.