Andy Murray's bid for Masters Cup success ended today as the British number one succumbed to Russian world number five Nikolay Davydenko 7-5 6-2 in the semi-finals in Shanghai.
Murray, 21, recorded an epic three-set victory over Roger Federer on Friday, a result which eliminated the two-time defending champion, but the world number four was clearly still feeling the effects against the experienced Davydenko, who was benefiting from an extra day's rest.
Both players lost early service games in the first set, but Davydenko crucially broke again for a 6-5 lead after successfully challenging a Murray ace at break point.
After returning to his chair Murray repeatedly slammed his racket into the ground and the Scot's misery was complete when Davydenko served out for the set after just over an hour of intense play.
And after taking the first set in 62 minutes, Davydenko breezed through the second virtually unchallenged against a fading Murray to set up a final meeting against the Serbian world number three Novak Djokovic.
Earlier, Australian Open champion Djokovic advanced to his first Masters Cup final after recording a hard-fought 4-6 6-3 7-5 win over Frenchman Gilles Simon.