by Michael McCann
at North Greenwich Arena

Andy Murray remained on course to end this season as world number one by defeating Kei Nishikori 6-7 (9-11) 6-4 6-4 at the ATP World Tour Finals yesterday.

Murray joins Novak Djokovic as a confirmed semi-finalist after both won their opening two group matches, making a final between the world’s top two players to decide top spot eminently possible.

Murray had played his part in an even first set, which remained on serve throughout, the current world number one saving three break points, Nishikori saving a break point and a set point.

A tie-break saw Nishikori initially fail to capitalise on a 6-3 lead. Murray saved those three set points and won three of his own, but after failing to convert them, his Japanese opponent eventually prevailed 11-9 in some tight and tense tennis.

Murray changed the momentum of the match by breaking Nishikori in the first game of the second set, and though Nishikori broke back for 4-4, the Scotsman showed real character to immediately come back, winning the set 6-4.

The deciding set saw Murray race into a 5-1 lead, before Nishikori threatened to cause an upset winning the next three sets to bring the score back to 5-4.

However, Murray held on to his serve to clinch the set and match.