Andy Murray is optimistic of his chances as he prepares to play in the Erste Bank Open for the first time.

The British number one has taken the unusual decision to compete in Vienna this week as he pursues vital ranking points in a bid to qualify for the World Tour Finals.

Murray begins his campaign against Canadian Vasek Pospisil on Thursday and is looking forward to his tournament debut.

"I'm looking forward to playing my first match here," Murray told the tournament's official website.

"I will try to play my best tennis. If I succeed, I'm sure to have a good chance to win the tournament.

"But the field is strong and the surface fairly quick. In such circumstances they often decide a few points about the outcome of a match."

World number 11 Murray is one of four players fighting for the two remaining places at the season-ending event in London.