Andy Murray has become the third singles player to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in November after reaching the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Masters.

The Scot, who this week rose to number two in the world, will take on France's Julien Benneteau tonight as he bids to retain his title.

World number one Roger Federer and Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal had already qualified for the eight-man event, which takes place at the O2 Arena from November 22-29.

Murray beat Federer in the group stages on his debut last year when the tournament was held in Shanghai before losing to Nikolay Davydenko in the semi-finals.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed the best season of his career so far, winning five titles, including his fourth Masters title in Montreal last week, and reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals.

He said: "It's great (to qualify). Obviously with it being in the UK this year, it's big for me.

"I think qualifying is a goal for all the players. I think it shows you've had a very solid year and I look forward to playing."

Murray, who will seek his first grand slam crown when the US Open begins on August 31, believes he could be battling Federer for the world number one spot when the players take to the court at the O2.

"I think there could be a battle for the number one in the world," he said. "That's what everybody hopes for.

"This year the Tour is very tough and it's tight at the top. Hopefully that's what we'll get to see."