Scotsman, Andy Murray moved into eighth place in the race to the ATP season finals on Saturday as he reached the Austrian Open final with a 6-4, 6-3 win over qualifier Viktor Troicki.

Second seed Murray set the winning example for rival and top seed David Ferrer, who trails provisional ninth in the points race for London but with his semi-final still to play,

Spain’s Ferrer was playing German fourth seed Philipp Kohlschreiber.

The race tightened earlier as US Open winner Marin Cilic officially qualified into the year-end field, leaving three spots on offer.

Murray turned in a workmanlike effort in just under 90 minutes against Serbian Troicki, who had worked his way through the qualifying rounds.

The victory boosted Murray to 6-0 in the series.

Murray earned his victory with four breaks from 11 chances, going through to victory as he won his 50th match of the season.

Murray stands 7-6 over Ferrer and 2-1 over Kohlschreiber after defeating the German at the French Open this spring.

“I’ve been getting a bit better with each match,” said Murray, who broke a 15-month dry spell by lifting the Shenzhen trophy last month. “He had opportunities to be sure.

“I need to play well on some key points. Whomever I play in the final, it won’t be easy. David will be tough for sure, he’s very motivated, like myself, for London.”

Murray will be playing in his 44th ATP final as he seeks a 30th title.

In his rush to qualify for London, Murray is competing for a fourth straight week.

He still has two more weeks to go, with a wild card entry into Valencia next week and the Paris Masters to close out the official ATP season.