Murray Nicks spot in semis

ANDY MURRAY produced a slick performance to send home favourite Nick Kyrgios packing and book himself a semi-final spot.

The two-time grand slam winner silenced a 15,000-strong crowd on Rod Laver Arena as he used all his experience to beat talented teen Kyrgios 6-3 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 and set up a clash with Czech Tomas Berdych, who had earlier dispatched Rafael Nadal in similar fashion.

The win improved Murray’s record against Aussie players to 11-0 and saw him produce 13 aces and just one double fault, with the only minor blip coming when he let a break of serve slip in the third set.

“It was a tricky match,” said Murray afterwards. “It was pretty windy, so tough conditions for both of us, and I tried to start as quickly as possible because I knew how dangerous Nick is.

“I know exactly what he is capable of and I was not going to underestimate him at all.

“He is a big hitter, so I tried to keep it out of his strike zone as much as possible.

“I played a slightly different style tonight and it worked.”

Kyrgios looked on edge in his home grand slam and received a warning for an audible obscenity as he battled to save two set points in the first set. And although he did so to force Murray to serve for the set, the Brit did so with ease to take it after 32 minutes.

A service winner earned Murray his first set point in the second before a superb lob opened up a commanding lead.

Kyrgios broke in the third set as Murray hit a tame backhand into the net.

The Olympic champ then appeared to cut a bandage off his left thigh at the change of ends and it did the trick as he broke serve to take a 5-3 lead.

This time there was no lapse in concentration and Murray served out to take the match. ANDY FORM: Murray points to the heavens after sealing victory against Kyrgios

SHOCK: Berdych

Royal Troon Captain, Bob Martin, said: “Royal Troon Golf Club has hosted The Open on eight occasions since 1923 and in 2016 we will share this responsibility with The Ladies’ Golf Club, Troon as joint hosts of the 145th Open Championship.

“The clubs enjoy a close working relationship and we look forward to hosting a successful Open here in 2016.” A Troon statement said it will “undertake a comprehensive review to consider the most appropriate membership policy for the future”.

Muirfield is reviewing its membership criteria, while Royal St George’s is also “considering its position” as a single-sex club.