Shanghai - Gilles Simon put himself into position for a possible spot in the semi-finals of the Masters Cup with a Friday victory, but will have to await the fate of Roger Federer.

The French debutant pounded alternate Radek Stepanek 6-1, 6-4 in 65 minutes, breaking three times and never in danger against the Czech who filled in at the last minute at mid-week for injured Andy Roddick.

But the drama level was rising as four-time year-end champion Federer played a do-or-die final Red group match later against Andy Murray, Britain's world number four who has already qualified into the weekend final four.

Should Federer prevail over the surging Scot, the Swiss would not only reach the semis but also win the group, entering the weekend alongside Murray and Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko from the Gold grouping.

Should US open finalist Murray prevail, Simon goes through.

Federer dropped the first of his three group matches to Simon, then subdued Stepanek while fighting a stomach virus to level at 1-1 and stay in the title hunt.

Federer is making a seventh consecutive appearance at this event holding a 27-4 record, while Murray has qualified for the first time. (dpa)