Britain's Andy Murray beat qualifier Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan in straight sets here Sunday to successfully defend his title here at the one-million-dollar St Petersburg Open.

Murray, the top seed and currently fourth in the world, beat 150th ranked Golubev 6-1, 6-1 in just 56 minutes to clinch his second consecutive title and fifth of the season.

"I'm happy to win and to defend my title here," said Murray, who secured the second Masters title of his young career in Madrid last week.

"Andrey (Golubev) performed very well this week and, I believe, has a good chance to become a top-ranked professional."

The 21-year-old Scot broke midway into the opening set for a comfortable 4-1 lead.

Golubev, 21, who was playing his first ATP final, fought valiantly to limit the damage but was overpowered by Murray whose accuracy allowed him to break again in the sixth game for a one-set lead in 27 minutes.

In the second Murray confirmed his supremacy producing three more breaks to take the set and the match.

After picking up the trophy and 171,000 dollars in prize money, Murray said he is hoping to maintain his form for the end-of-season Shanghai Masters beginning November 9.

"I'm hoping to perform well at Shanghai as I'm feeling confident just now," he added.

News source: www.afp.google.com
Print this news