Shanghai Masters 2014: Andy Murray into third round and closer to ATP World Tour Finals

Scot beats Jerzy Janowicz 7-5 6-2

Andy Murray in action at the Shanghai Masters (GETTY IMAGES)

Andy Murray further boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals with a 7-5 6-2 win over Jerzy Janowicz at the Shanghai Masters.

The Scot eased into the last-16 of the tournament he won in 2010 and 2011 to continue his good form on the ATP's China swing which saw him win in Shenzhen and get to the semi-finals of the China Open last week.

Murray moved himself up to ninth in the rankings with his performances in Shenzhen and Beijing as he aims for the top-eight spot that will see him qualify for the season-ending tournament in London.

The first set was a high-quality affair with Murray ruthless on serve as he got 82 per cent of first serves in and dropped just four points in his opening six games.

But Janowicz, who took Murray to three sets in the first round in Beijing last week, is made of stern stuff and he saw off two break points before eventually succumbing in game 12 and surrendering the set.

Murray broke in game four of the second to take a 3-1 lead and things looked ominous for his Polish opponent when he was forced to call for the trainer for some treatment.

The next three games went with serve but Janowicz handed Murray a third break and the match with a double fault to see the 27-year-old advance in one hour and 28 minutes to face David Ferrer in the next round.

The Spaniard, who is also chasing a spot in the top-eight, had more work to do to advance as he overcame Martin Klizan 4-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-4.