Chief pledges finals rethink

Barclays World Tour finals tournament director Chris Kermode has promised changes after the shambolic end to events saw Andy Murray crash out amid total confusion.

Murray failed to progress because he won one group game fewer than Juan Martin del Potro in his three matches. The Argentine, who joined Roger Federer in the semis after beating the world No1 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, had to wait 25 minutes to find out he was in the last four — during which time he was joined by compatriot Carlos Tevez for an impromptu knock-up, which allowed the Manchester City star to display his skills.

Kermode, who has brought the finals to the 02 for four years, today said: "The process was not good enough and revolved around the tournament supervisors getting the information everyone needed out to the public. This is something we are going to address with everyone concerned because the process in place last night was at fault.

"We need to look at having a system which shows the players and the fans exactly what the standings are in the two groups and is updated immediately.

"We had a situation last night where, for some time, no one knew who was in the semi-finals.

"I don't believe this has harmed the tournament but we will ensure it doesn't happen again."

The confusion prompted Murray, at home watching on television following his earlier win over Fernando Verdasco, to write on his twitter feed: "Anyone know what's going on? I think I'm out but the rules aren't worded too well."