ANDY MURRAY produced another dominant display to record a comfortable 6-3 6-2 win over American Steve Johnson and book his place in the third round of the Shanghai Masters.
The world No.2 had been given a bye into round two, and was soon on the offensive to follow up on his success at the China Open last week.
Murray survived a break point in the opening game, before forcing a break of his own to love in game six.
Another unanswered service game from the British No.1 saw him move into a 5-2 lead against the man he defeated in the Olympic quarter-finals en route to gold in Rio.
Murray's greater athleticism around the court was proving key as the Scot went on to close out the first set in 41 minutes.
Johnson, the world No.24, was finding it difficult to get a foothold in the match and let frustrations get the better of him with some colourful language at the start of the second set.
The American then received a warning for smashing a ball away as he faced three break points in the third game.
Murray, though, did not let the opportunity slip, as he converted the next chance to move 3-1 ahead, with Johnson bemoaning an earlier line call to the umpire during the break.
And from there Murray did not relinquish control, keeping pressure on Johnson's next serve, before delivering another break as the Californian lashed a baseline return wide.
Murray held to lead 5-1, and although Johnson reduced the deficit, it was only delaying the inevitable as Murray served out for the match, completing victory in one hour and 16 minutes.
After the match Murray said: "There was a tight start, but then once I got ahead I managed to keep the momentum.
"I played well tonight, I like the conditions here and hopefully I can continue that tomorrow."
Next up for Murray will be Lucas Pouille after the No.13 seed beat Nicolas Almagro.
Murray added: "It will be a hard match [against Pouille]. He goes for his shots, serves well and is quick around the court.
"He takes quite a lot of risks out there, and likes the big matches.
"He is very consistent in his results and I will try and put in a good performance to get through it if I can."
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