NO MIRACLE FOR FED

Britain's Andy Murray sent defending champion Roger Federer crashing out of the Masters Cup in a classic encounter on Friday.

Murray came from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 after Federer, hampered by a back injury, saved seven match points in a gripping final set.

Federer had never failed to reach the Masters Cup semi-finals in seven straight appearances, winning four titles including the last two.

The 13-time Grand Slam champion, who was forced out of the Paris Masters with the back strain and then hit by a stomach bug, needed to beat Murray to stay in the tournament after losing to Simon.

Federer had started in imperious form, snapping up the first break point of the match.

Federer twice took treatment for his injured back and he noticeably slowed in the third set.

Earlier Simon swept aside Czech alternate Radek Stepanek 6-1, 6-4 but could only qualify when Federer lost.