Unstoppable Murray wins Shanghai and number three ranking

By Bill Scott Oct 16, 2011, 10:48 GMT

Shanghai - Andy Murray seized the world number three ranking from Roger Federer as the Scot beat David Ferrer 7-5, 6-4 to win the Shanghai Masters and complete an Asian trophy hat-trick on Sunday.

Murray has been on fire this month in the Far East, winning three titles in as many weeks in Bangkok, Tokyo and now Shanghai.

'This has been one of the best runs of my life,' said Murray, 'I've played very well over the last few weeks. I really wanted to win today and defend this title.

'I managed to come through. Shanghai is one of my favourite places, I've always played well here,' he said.

The victory in one and three-quarter hours was the second straight at the Qi Zhong arena for the 24-year-old who had vowed last month after a US Open semi-final exit to Rafael Nadal to work to try to overhaul Federer before the end of the year.

The Swiss, who has been in the Top 3 since July 7, 2003, after winning his first Wimbledon title, has not played due to injury since Davis Cup the week after the US Open and is not due back for another fortnight when he plays his home Swiss Indoors in Basel.

Murray won his fifth title of 2011, improving to 8-1 overall in Masters 1000 finals. Eight days ago in Tokyo, Murray beat Ferrer in a semi-final on his way to that title during his torrid October sweep.

Ferrer now stands 0-3 in career Masters finals and 11-14 overall in all finals.

'I tried my best' said Ferrer. 'I fought a lot but it was impossible to beat Andy today. I've had my best career moments here in Shanghai,' said the 2007 Shanghai finalist at the Masters Cup. Shanghai is almost like my second home.'

Added Murray: 'David and his team have had some good weeks. 'He's one of the toughest guys on the tour. It was a pleasure to share a court with him.'

Murray won a long opening game which finally ended as he broke Ferrer, only to lose his own serve in the next game. But the Scot took the lead again in the 11th game and served out the set 7-5.

The second set began with three consecutive breaks of serve before Murray edged away 3-1. The Scot then powered onto his 54th win of the season against 11 defeats, including the Australian Open final to world number one Novak Djokovic.

Murray claimed victory with a clinched fist as he drove a forehand winner deep into the corner to lift his record against Ferrer to 5-3 with all victories coming on hardcourt.