The Asian swing of ATP tour starts up with two exotic locales: Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Let’s start with Bangkok.  Last year, Andy Murray decided to play Bangkok.  None of the other top 4 players elected to play.  He won the tournament.  However, with the Olympic schedule, Murray has chosen not to defend his title.  Even his appearance last year was unusual.  Murray has only played Bangkok a handful of times.  However, he seemed to be chasing Roger Federer in an attempt to end the year number 3.

The top 4 seeds were in action today.  Tipsarevic (who won Kuala Lumpur last year but decided to play Bangkok instead) beat Verdasco in two close sets.  Gilles Simon beat countryman, Gael Monfils, handily.  Monfils had been out since May due to injury, and is trying to get his rank back up.  Richard Gasquet beat Bernard Tomic in two close sets.  Tomic is getting a little better, but has yet to match the form he had at the start of the year.  Finally, in the only upset of the top 4 seeds, Jarkko Nieminen beat third seed, Milos Raonic, in two close sets.

This sets up Tipsarevic vs. Simon in one semi, and Nieminen vs. Gasquet in the other.  The first semi could be rather tough.  The second is a great opportunity for either player to pick up a title, especially veteran, Jarkko Nieminen.

In Kuala Lumpur, David Ferrer continues his winning ways against Dutch player, Igor Sijsling, in three close sets.  Benneteau won easily over Alejandro Falla.  Nishikori won when Davydenko retired in the second set.  Monaco beat up-and-coming Canadian, Vasek Pospisil, in straight sets.  This means Ferrer plays Benneteau and Nishikori plays Monaco.  The second match could prove entertaining.