Andy Murray collects world No.1 trophy at ATP World Tour Finals gala

The 29-year-old became the first British player to reach world number one following his triumph at the Paris Masters.

The Brit was all smiles as he was joined by seven elite rivals at a pre-tournament gala aboard the historic Cutty Sark ship.

"The ranking never lies," fellow competitor Stan Wawrinka told Sky Sports News. "He's been winning a lot this year, more than any other player, so he deserves to be No 1.

"He did really well with the pressure, he won Wimbledon this year and he won the Olympics in London, so he knows how to deal with it.

"I think every player tires at the end of the year but if you look at the last few tournaments - winning Paris, winning Vienna, Shanghai, Beijing - he's ready, he's in top form, a lot of confidence to take to this tournament here so he will be tough to beat."

Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori, Gael Monfils, Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem are hoping to deny Murray the crown at the season finale.

Murray will definitely retain his No.1 ranking with victory, but sole threat Djokovic is aiming to win a record-equalling sixth title.