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Close call

Andy Murray saves seven match points to book his place at the Dubai Championships semi-finals

World number one then stormed the final set will now face Lucas Pouille or Evgeny Donskoy

ANDY MURRAY saved seven match points before beating tough opponent Philipp Kohlschreiber to book his place in the Dubai Championships semi-finals.

In a 31-minute second-set tie-break, the world number one edged the German 20-18 to draw level in the match.

 Andy Murray saves seven match points to defeat his German opponent
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Andy Murray saves seven match points to defeat his German opponentCredit: AP:Associated Press

And the Brit then stormed the final set to defeat Kohlschreiber by 6-7, 7-6, 6-1 in a tense affair.

His reward for overcoming his opponent is a semi-final match-up against either Lucas Pouille or Roger Federer's conqueror Evgeny Donskoy.

But Murray was forced to work hard after losing the first set on a 7-4 tie-break.

He could be excused for not being at his best as Murray was playing in his first tournament since the Australian Open in January.

Despite being just one point away from losing the match on seven occasions, Murray proved why he is the world's best by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

 The German had never beaten a world number one but he came incredibly close against Andy Murray
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The German had never beaten a world number one but he came incredibly close against Andy MurrayCredit: EPA
 The duo's tie-break last an incredible 31 minutes before finishing 20-18
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The duo's tie-break last an incredible 31 minutes before finishing 20-18Credit: AP:Associated Press
 Andy Murray pulled off a string of sensational shots to keep him in the match
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Andy Murray pulled off a string of sensational shots to keep him in the matchCredit: Reuters

Kohlschreiber had never beaten a world No.1 and had lost each of his last 24 matches against top five opponents.

And he looked well on his way to breaking the trend until some inspired Murray shots, including a stunning drop-shot at match point, saved his skin.

Fernando Verdasco and Robin Hasse will meet in the other last-four tie.

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