Briton Andy Murray enjoyed the perfect start to his season when he tamed Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to win the Qatar Open trophy on Saturday.
Third seed Murray captured the fourth title of his career after edging out Wawrinka with his more aggressive baseline tactics in a error-riddled contest.
The result handed Murray a timely boost ahead of the Australian Open which starts on January 14.
Wawrinka set the tone for the match when he dropped his serve in the opening game. In total, the first set featured five breaks before the 20-year-old Murray bagged the set. Murray looked to be on course for a straight sets win but lost his focus following a controversial call and allowed the unseeded Wawrinka to draw level.
Llodra triumphs
Frenchman Michael Llodra won his second ATP Tour title on Sunday when he outplayed third seed Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 6-3, 6-4 to win the Adelaide International, adds Reuters from Adelaide.
Llodra, who only entered the main draw after Richard Gasquet pulled out on the eve of the event, served and volleyed his way to victory in 76 minutes.