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Murray overcomes Nalbandian in Open warm-up

Andy Murray claimed a morale boost © Getty Images

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Andy Murray enjoyed a straight-sets win over David Nalbandian in a one-off exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic.

The Brit edged the Argentine 6-3 7-6(8) in Melbourne as the world's top players finalise their preparations for next week's Australian Open. Murray did not have it all his own way, though, as he was forced to come from a break down in the second set.

However, Murray was never headed in the tiebreaker as he notched a confidence-boosting victory.

Meanwhile, Mardy Fish beat Austria's Jurgen Melzer 6-2 4-6 6-1 to move into the final of the Kooyong Classic tournament. The world No. 8 overcame a break in his rhythm as rain delayed play, but stormed home in the final set, at one stage taking a 5-0 lead in the final set.

Fish will take on Australian hope Bernard Tomic in the decider, and is expecting a tough encounter against the teenager.

"I've played him three times now and he's got a great feel for the game," Fish said. "He's got all the shots. He's awkward to play and he's only going to get better."

At the Sydney International, Jarkko Nieminen progressed through to the final after recording a 7-6(12) 6-3 triumph over Denis Istomin. The Finn will take on Julien Benneteau in the decider, following the Frenchman's straight sets victory over Marcos Baghdatis.

And in Auckland, David Ferrer won two matches in one day to reach the final of the Heineken Open. Ferrer beat Alejandro Falla in three sets to reach the last four, where he then overcame Fernandno Verdasco 6-3 6-4. He will now meet Olivier Rochus in the final.

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