Andy Murray battles past Fernando Verdasco at Paris Masters

Andy Murray began with a testing win over Fernando Verdasco at the Paris Masters in a week where he __can finally become the word No 1.

A 6-3 6-7 (7-5) 7-5 victory over Verdasco in the second-round was a tougher work-out than Murray have wished for, considering perennial rival Novak Djokovic was already up-and-running at the tournament.

Murray will become the world's top ranked player if he wins the Paris Masters and Djokovic falters before the final but against Verdasco, the world No 46, he was dealt a reminder not to look too far ahead.

Verdasco's forehand was working a treat from the opening exchanges but Murray's defences kept it at bay for most of the first set. The breakthrough came after Murray built some confidence at the net by completing a backhand sliced drop shot, before pressurising Verdasco's serve and forcing the sole break by crowding his dangerous forehand.

Verdasco was always playing too well to simply fade away as Murray hoped - he roared into a 0-40 lead against the serve, then a beautiful forehand earned him a break advantage to go 3-1 up in the second set.

Murray was given the run-around in the immediate aftermath of that break but his defences were too strong and the Scot soon opened a route back into the set - at the second attempt, he converted a break simply by keeping a rally going for longer than Verdasco had anticipated.

He had reduced the deficit to 3-4 but Murray's break opened the door to several minutes of chaos with the set in the balance. Verdasco immediately broke back for a 5-3 lead, amid Murray complaining about the umpire, before the world No 2 refocused and defended for his life to register back-to-back games.

Verdasco's accuracy wouldn't be denied and he persevered through a tie-break to force a deciding set.

Breaks were immediately exchanged as tensions mounted and, towards the conclusion, Murray let out a passionate scream after saving two break points to stay ahead at 6-5 before sealing passage into the third round where he will play Lucas Pouille, the 13th seed.