British number one Andy Murray reached the second round of the Shanghai Masters this afternoon by overcoming Russian qualifier Teymuraz Gabashvili in straight sets.
Murray, who three days ago lost to Novak Djokovic in the China Open final, was on the front foot from the word go, breaking Gabashvili at the first two opportunities to go 4-0 ahead.
Gabashvili got on the board in his next service game but was then broken again in the seventh game as Murray wrapped up the opening set 6-1 in under half an hour.
Murray was then broken for the first time at the start of the second set but hit back instantly to level it at 1-1.
Gabashvili was proving a much tougher opponent and broke Murray again to go 3-2 in front and this time consolidated the advantage.
The Russian served for the set at 5-4 but couldn't convert as Murray broke back before completing a run of four games in a row to clinch the set and match 7-5.
Up next for Murray in the second round is a match against big-serving Pole Jerzy Janowicz.
Pascal Lemesre
