Federer edges ahead of Murray

Andy Murray’s bid to eliminate Roger Federer from the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai got off to a disappointing start as the defending champion claimed a scintillating first set 6-4.

After recording wins over Andy Roddick and Gilles Simon in the round-robin stage, in-form Murray was already assured of a place in the semi-finals, but Federer knew he had to win following his opening-day defeat by the Frenchman.