SHANGHAI - New world No 3, Andy Murray, was thrilled to defend his title at the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters on Sunday night.

"I was very nervous today because I wanted to try and win here and defend my title. I'm very happy I managed to come through," the Scot said after beating Spaniard David Ferrer, 7-5, 6-4, in the final.

Bagging 1,000 ranking points, Murray passed Swiss 16-time Grand Slam winner Rogger Federer to sit third behind Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the ATP standings.

After previous victories in Bangkok and Tokyo, Murray has enjoyed a perfect Asian season and has set an all-time 8-1 record in ATP 1000 Masters finals. "It's so unforgettable here. For sure, I am looking forward to coming back next year. Shanghai is one of my favorite places," said the 24-year-old, who collected $620,000 in prize money.

Ending the past three seasons at No 4, Murray has now moved into the top three for the first time, but he still expects more.

"It's not the ultimate goal. It's a step in the right direction," he said.

Although losing his third ATP 1000 event final, Ferrer's Shanghai jaunt could also be called a success as he has secured a berth at the World Tour Finals in London next month thanks to the runner-up's 600 points.

The Spanish world No 5 said Murray was in the best form of the current top four but expected world No 4 Federer, who had been in the world's top three since July 2003, to bounce back.

"No, I won't count Roger out. He's still a good player. He just lost some matches against Djokovic. It's close. He can still be the No 1," said Ferrer, who also lost to Murray in the semis at the Japan Open in Tokyo. "The top four are better than the others for sure, but the difference is not so big."

Ferrer won titles in Auckland, New Zealand, and Acapulco, Mexico, this season and finished with a solid 25-8 hard-surface record after the Shanghai tournament.

China Daily

(China Daily 10/17/2011 page24)