Tim Henman has pledged to end a wretched run on home soil after a powerful start in the Samsung Open.

The top seed took just 51 minutes to tonk Czech youngster Michal Tabara in the first round of the Brighton Centre showpiece last night.

It was Henman's first win in Britain this year outside of Wimbledon and the Davis Cup. He made immediate exits at the London Arena, Queen's and Nottingham.

"I was perfectly aware of my record this year in smaller British tournaments, so it's about time I started racking up a few wins," Henman said.

"Outside of Wimbledon and the Davis Cup my record in this country is very poor. I would like to put that right this week."

Henman was never in the remotest danger of another early defeat against Tabara, a clay court specialist ranked 96.

It looked like being a whitewash until Tabara broke serve when trailing 3-0 in the second set.

"That would have been better, but beyond that I can't have too many complaints," said Henman.

"I didn't know a great deal about my opponent. I just wanted to concentrate on my own game and I'm really happy with the way it went."

Henman's next rival is Dutchman Raemon Sluiter. The world No. 93 from Rotterdam also had an easy victory, 6-1, 6-1 against French qualifier Jean-Rene Lisnard.

"I saw a little bit of one of his matches in Lyon," Henman added. "He beat some good players there, including Corretja in the first round.

"You just can't take anybody lightly and I certainly won't. I will approach it in the same manner and hopefully get the same outcome."

Earlier Greg Rusedski teamed up with Marc Goellner in the doubles to beat South African Brent Haygarth and American Jack Waite 6-2, 6-3.

Rusedski faces Paul Goldstein of the States in the first round of the singles tonight.

See the Argus all this week for the best in reports and pictures from the Brighton Centre.