SHANGHAI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Roger Federer saw his campaign to defend his Masters Cup title ended as he lost to Andy Murray in the last group match here on Friday. World number two Federer, who had to win the final round-robin match in the Gold Group to stay in the tournament, succumbed to his recurrent back injury and combative Murray 4-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.

Andy Murray of Great Britain jubilates after scoring against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's singles competition at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, 2008, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 14, 2008. Andy Murray won the match 4-6, 7-6, 7-5.

That ensured Gilles Simon, who earlier beat Radek Stepanek, made the semis. Murray will now face Nikolay Davydenko in the last four on Saturday, while Simon will play Novak Djokovic.

Friday's final group match was a unique experience for Murray, who went into the match knowing he did not need to win having already qualified.

It made little difference to the quality of play as both men came out firing in front of a packed crowd at the Qi Zhong Stadium.

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after losing a point to Andy Murray of Great Britain during the men's singles competition at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, 2008, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 14, 2008.

With everything to play for, Federer took the initiative and got the first break in game four when Murray went long with a forehand. The Scot responded immediately when an edgy Federer netted a backhand in the following game but he had to save three more breakpoints in his next couple of service games as the champion kept up the pressure.

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