Andy Murray defeated Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2 to win the Shanghai Masters yesterday, his second finals victory over the Swiss in two months.

Murray, ranked fourth, improved to 8-5 in his lifetime record against Federer, who will move back to second in the world rankings today behind Rafael Nadal.

“I had a great week and played some of my best tennis,” said Murray. “I had to play great to have a chance against Roger. But I was able to do that today.”

The Scot’s victory was his second title of the season after he beat Federer in the Toronto Masters final in August, although he lost the Australian Open final to the Swiss earlier this year.

Federer struck a massive 30 unforced errors yesterday and failed to convert on six break point chances, with only 20 winners in a straight-sets upset lasting just under 90 minutes.

“I know how tough it is to win these Masters titles,” said Federer, who, if he had triumphed, would have joined Nadal on a record 18 career Masters titles.

“Andy had a great effort. I had some chances but I couldn’t break through. He played great and didn’t give me much. He made me work hard, I couldn’t find many great shots, he was too good.”

The defeat dropped Federer, who saved a match point but lost serve four times, to 2-4 in 2010 finals, with 23-year-old Murray improving his overall season record to 41-14.