Murray wins Brisbane crown

Andy Murray defended his Brisbane International title with a straight-sets victory over 21-year-old Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.

The British number one, who won in Brisbane last year when he also claimed Olympic gold and the US Open title, won 7-6 (7/0) 6-4.

First-time finalist Dimitrov, who Murray beat the only other time they had met in Bangkok in 2011, got off to a storming start, winning 11 of the first 12 points and breaking Murray in game two to go 3-0 up.

But Murray broke back as Dimitrov, who is ranked 48 in the world, served for the set at 5-3, then forced a tie-break which he took to love.

Dimitrov blasted a forehand winner down the line to hold serve for 2-2 as the second set went with serve.

A deciding set looked possible when the Bulgarian broke to lead 4-3 but Murray took the next two games to go 5-4 ahead.

With the set back on serve Murray broke once more to retain the title.

Murray, in quotes carried on the tournament's official Twitter feed, said: "To everyone who put on the event, thank you."