British number one Andy Murray remains on course to retain his Shanghai Masters title following a tough 4-6 6-2 6-3 victory over Radek Stepanek in the quarter-finals.

The Scotsman was immediately put under pressure in China after being broken by his Czech opponent, who is the lowest-ranked competitor in the tournament.

Murray was unable to break down Stepanek's serve and the Czech pro managed to clinch the opening set, leaving the Scotsman with a big ask in the second set.

Stepanek continued to blast forehand shots across the court with power but Murray found his feet and used well-executed returns to find an early break and push on to draw level on sets.

The deciding set went by the way of serve in the early stages and while Murray appeared frustrated at himself on the court after hitting a shot into the net and relinquishing a point, the US Open champion was able to go a break up and secure the third set and the match.