Murray demolishes Nishikori to reach Shanghai final

World number four sets up title clash with comeback king Ferrer.

SHANGHAI:

In-form Andy Murray is just one win away from a third straight title after crushing Japan's Kei Nishikori to seal a place in the Shanghai Masters final where he will face comeback king David Ferrer.

The British second-seed was the overwhelming favourite going into the clash against Nishikori and showed just why, coasting to a 6-3, 6-0 win.

Earlier, Ferrer battled back to beat Feliciano Lopez 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 in an all-Spanish semi-final.

World number four Murray, who will replace Roger Federer as number three if he wins today's final, broke twice in the first set, winning 100 per cent of points on his first serve. In the second set the 24-year-old broke in the second game and demolished his opponent.

Meanwhile, Ferrer looked to dictate terms early on, with the match developing into a fascinating duel between the third-seed's powerful forehand and Lopez's sliced backhand.

Neither player could force a break in a gripping opening set. Ferrer took control of the tie-break at 4-1 but he could only manage one more point as Lopez drew first blood.

The determined Ferrer stayed on the offensive, breaking in the third game of the second set and again in the ninth game to level the match.

In the decider a wild Lopez forehand gave Ferrer a crucial single break allowing him to serve out for the win.

Ferrer said he had refocused after losing the opening set.

"When I lost the first set, I tried to forget the tiebreak and tried to focus again," he said. "I played better in the second and the third. I've never won a Masters 1000, and it's important for me and my career."

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2011.