Andy Murray beats Australian Open conqueror Taro Daniel to reach last 16 of Qatar Open

Andy Murray gained revenge over Australian Open conqueror Taro Daniel by defeating the Japanese player in straight sets to reach the last 16 of the Qatar Open.

The three-time grand slam winner secured a routine 6-2 6-2 victory to set up a meeting with Roberto Bautista Agut next in Doha.

Murray had lost to Daniel in the second round of the Australian Open last month but was too good for the New York-born right-hander in only their third meeting.

The Scot was pleased with how he dealt with the threat of Daniel this time around.

"He played very well in Australia, he had a very good run there and was too good for me there," Murray said. "I tried to be the one dictating from the first point, and I thought I did that well. It was one of the better matches I've played in recent months."

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After a cagey opening, it was the Scot who clinched the first break in the sixth game to move 4-2 up having pushed his opponent hard in his previous two service games.

A second break sealed the opener after Murray managed to withstand a lengthy rally to pass Daniel at the net and take the first of three set points.

World No 114 Daniel gained the upper hand at the start of the second with an immediate break but was pegged back instantly by the wildcard.

After Murray, a two-time winner of the competition, held to love, he pressed home his advantage to break twice more and seal a straight-sets success in one hour and 20 minutes.

The 34-year-old will next take on second seed and last year's runner-up Bautista Agut.

It will be a first meeting between the duo since Murray lost to the Spaniard at the Australian Open in 2019, which many feared might be the final match of the double Wimbledon champion's career before he embarked on career-saving hip resurfacing surgery.

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The Brit is not taking anything for granted despite his excellent record in Doha.

"Obviously the results from 12 years ago aren't going to affect the results this week," said Murray when asked about his previous titles in Doha.

"But what it tells me is that the conditions here are good for my game, so if I can play to a good level the courts are going to suit me here and I'll make it difficult for everyone I play against."

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