ATP Paris Masters: Andy Murray beats Grigor Dimitrov to qualify for World Tour Finals

Andy Murray booked his place at the ATP World Tour Finals with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Grigor Dimitrov at the Paris Masters.

Murray needed a victory in the third round contest to qualify for the season-ending event in London and duly delivered in impressive style. 

The British No 1 will face Novak Djokovic in the Paris quarter-finals after the top seed rounded out the action on Thursday with a straight sets win over Gael Monfils.

Murray's place at the O2 Arena was in doubt until a brilliant run of form late in the season which has seen him win three tournaments over the past month.

It is the seventh straight time Murray has qualified for the Tour Finals, although he was not present at the tournament last year as he was recovering from back surgery. 

"It's a great event to be involved in. It's a fun way to finish the year. It's in London and they put a great event there - a packed house every day you play," Murray told Sky Sports.

He added of his improved form: "Since the French Open I think I've played well. I've lost against some of the best players that have ever played the game in the slams this year.

Confidence

"I just needed to get some wins against the top players to gain some confidence and I've managed to do that in the last few weeks.

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"It's been a strong year after a tough surgery and a hard beginning of the year. I'm pleased with the way I'm playing now and hope it sets me up well for next year."

Ninth seed Dimitrov defeated Murray at Wimbledon earlier in the year but this time was outclassed by the two-time Grand Slam champion.

Murray wore his opponent down with patient, powerful groundstrokes, not looking back after clinching the early break and sealing the first set in 33 minutes with a second break in game nine.

The second set continued in the same vein, with the writing on the wall for Dimitrov as Murray surged into a 3-0 lead and offered the Bulgarian no hope of a comeback.

Murray did not face a break point throughout the 69-minute contest, and won 93 per cent of points on his first serve.

He can expect a much tougher challenge next time around, with current world No 1 Djokovic recording a 6-3 7-6 (7/2) victory over home favourite Monfils despite having issues on his first serve. 

Elsewhere in the third round Australian Open champion Stanislas Warwinka - the world No 4 - bowed out to 14th seed Kevin Anderson, boosting Murray’s hopes of finishing the year in the top four.