Abu Dhabi, UAE  - Britain's Andy Murray downed world number one Rafael Nadal of Spain 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 to win the final of the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament on Saturday.

The win, following a semi-final defeat of Switzerland's Roger Federer, underlined the pre-season form of the British number one ahead of the Australian Open starting on January 19.

It was Murray's second straight victory over Nadal following his US Open semi-final victory in September.

He collects 250,000 dollars for the win which will not count towards his world ranking or his head-to-head record against Nadal. (dpa)