SHANGHAI, China — Andy Murray has ousted defending champion Roger Federer from the Masters Cup, rallying for a 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5 victory.

Federer appeared to be bothered in the third set by the sore back that forced him to withdraw during the Paris Masters two weeks ago. The Swiss star received treatment three times Friday but refused to quit.

Federer saved seven match points while serving at 4-5 before Murray converted two games later, breaking when Federer sent a forehand long.

Murray, who had his left hand iced during one of Federer's timeouts, will play Nikolay Davydenko in Saturday's semifinals. Federer's loss allowed Gilles Simon to advance. He will meet Novak Djokovic.