In a strong statement leading to the Australian Open, Andy Murray has beaten Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on consecutive days.

The Scotsman defeated the top-ranked Nadal, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, yesterday to capture the Capitala World Tennis Championship exhibition and $250,000 winner-take-all prize. In Friday's semifinals, he topped the No. 2-ranked Federer, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6).

The tournament at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, not part of the ATP Tour, included six of the world's top 10 players.

Murray, who put on more muscle during the offseason, is ranked No. 4 and has yet to win a Grand Slam. He has a chance to change that at the Australian Open, which starts Jan. 19.

"This victory was good before I go to Australia," said Murray, who will first defend his Qatar Open title in Doha. "I have never been past the fourth round there. I trained hard over the break and the victories over the past three days have given me confidence."

Murray's only previous victory over Nadal in six matches was at the U.S. Open semifinals in September. The Spaniard played 111 matches in 2008 and pulled out of the Davis Cup final against Argentina in November because of an injured knee.

Nadal called this an "amazing three days" and insisted he played well despite the loss.

"For me it was a very good test," he said. "Playing 2 hours, 45 minutes at the best level is good. I forgot about my knee and my injury. I am looking forward to the year."

HOCKEY

CANADA, SWEDEN FINAL

Jordan Eberle and John Tavares scored in a shootout and Canada beat Russia, 6-5, last night in Ottawa to advance to the world junior hockey championship final for the eighth straight season.

Canada will face Sweden — a 5-3 winner over Slovakia in the first semifinal — tomorrow night.

AND WHAT'S MORE ...

Toshiaki Nishioka (32-0, 20 KOs) of Japan beat Genaro Garcia (38-7) of Mexico on a technical knockout in the 12th round to retain his WBC super bantamweight interim championship title yesterday at Yokohama, Japan. ... Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry was suspended for four games by the NHL yesterday for elbowing Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux during the third period of Friday night's game.