World number one Andy Murray remained on course of clinching his first title of 2017 as he booked his place in the finals of the ongoing Dubai Duty Free Championships after clinching a straight sets victory over France's Lucas Pouille here on Friday.
The 29-year-old struggled through the opening set against Pouille before he produced a dominant performance in the second to post a 7-5, 6-1 win over the Frenchman in a thrilling semi-final contest that lasted about one and a half hour.
With the win, Murray has now set up a clash against Spanish tennis star Fernando Verdasco in the summit showdown.
The world No. 35 brushed aside Robin Haase of Netherlands 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 to reach his first final of the year.
Verdasco, however, has a woeful record against Murray, having lost 12 of his 13 meetings against the top-ranked player.