Murray stuns Hewitt

In by far the biggest victory of his career, the steely 18-year-old Scot played a smart, ambitious contest, dictating much of the match with blistering returns and steady play from the backcourt.

"This is perfect," Murray said in a courtside interview after winning an event where he defeated former grand slam winners Andy Roddick and Hewitt en route to the title.

"I played solid all week. It's been the best week of my life."

After making a slow start, Murray appeared on course for a mauling as the Australian pushed the error-prone teenager all over the court to cruise through the opening set.

However, the Briton's never-say-die attitude paid dividends in the second set as he raised his game up a notch to level the match and take control of the contest.

Adeptly picking off Hewitt's serves, Murray found his rhythm from the service line and only attacked at opportune moments.

He broke Hewitt three times in the second set and so frustrated the 24-year-old Australian that Hewitt double-faulted on set point.

Murray carried the momentum into the third set and broke Hewitt to lead 2-0 with brilliant backhand winner.

Unbowed, Hewitt broke back immediately and the 2002 champion repeated the feat at 4-2 after Murray had forged ahead with a second break of serve.

DENIED VICTORY

The Briton continued to press and was denied victory in the 10th and 12th games of the deciding set when Hewitt blasted an ace when facing match point each time.

Murray, however, was undaunted by the setbacks.

"I've been working on not showing too much emotion because against the top guys, they give you so little and can come back from any position," he said.

Serving at 5-3 in the tiebreak, Murray blasted a 126 mph service winner before sealing the contest with a sublime crosscourt backhand.

On sealing victory, the world number 60 yelled out, pumped his fist and wrapped himself in a British flag given to him by a fan.

"In the tiebreak, I decided not to come off the court saying I could have gone for a bit more and with regrets, so in a few points, I went for some big shots and it paid off,"

Murray said after becoming youngest Briton in the Open era to capture an ATP title.

The British number three is expected to rise 12 places to number 48 when the rankings are released on Monday but will have an opportunity to overtake Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman when he competes in Memphis next week.

"He's confident," Hewitt said.

"That's what you need if you are going to break on tour at a young age.

"That's why (19-year-old world number two) Rafael Nadal has done so well, because he's confident and he won't take a back seat to anyone."