Dubai, UAE  - Novak Djokovic survived a fright to join Andy Murry with a win into the quarter-finals of the Barclays Championships on Wednesday as he overcame determined Czech Jan Hernych 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

The challenger, who won just four matches on the ATP last season, gave the top seed a battle before Djokovic pulled through.

"He put up a great fight and had nothing to lose. You can't always perform at your best but it's important to stay focussed. I was able to do that tonight," said the winner.

Dubai, UAE  - Confident Andy Murray used his growing body of experience to best advantage, improving his serve on Wednesday to win his first march over Arnaud Clement 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter- finals of the Barclays Championships.

The Scots second seed came good over the veteran to set up a clash with a second Frenchman Thursday in Richard Gasquet.

Dubai, UAE - Israeli Andy Ram was bundled out in his opening doubles match at the Barclays Championships on Wednesday, leaving organisers to stand down on intense, airport style security erected around the controversial Israeli.

The fourth-seeded Ram and Kevin Ullyett, losing finalists at the weekend in Marseille, were beaten by Marat Safin and David Ferrer 6- 3, 3-6, 10-8 in the first round.

In singles play, three seeds reached the quarter-finals, led by number 3 Frenchman Gilles Simon, who beat Teimuraz Gabashvili of Russia 6-1, 6-2.

Dubai, UAE  - Venus Williams put this week's controversy to the side as she lifted the 40th title of her career, claiming the Barclays Championships title 6-4, 6-2 over Virginie Razzano on Saturday.

Williams, seeded sixth, will move back into the WTA Top 5 for the first time since 2003 after her success at an event thrown into chaos by the visa exclusion of Israeli Shahar Peer.

Williams took the opportunity to praise Peer during post-match ceremonies following the win in just over 90 minutes over 58th-ranked Frenchwomen Razzano.

Dubai, UAE - Venus Williams won her first title of the season as she claimed the Barclays Championships on her fourth attempt with a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Virginie Razzano on Saturday.

Williams, seeded sixth, followed up her second straight defeat of her sister Serena in the semi-finals as she beat the 58th-ranked Frenchwomen in just over 90 minutes.

Razzano, who prepared after her own semi-final win with a spa treatment and a beer with dinner, was stretched out on court with a back problem after the seventh game of the opening set, trailing 3-4 on serve.

Dubai, UAE  - Challenger Virginie Razzano relaxed with a luxury spa treatment followed by a calming glass of beer the night before before facing Venus Williams for the title at the Barclays Championships on Saturday.

The number 58 with two career titles from 2007 is not one to worry too much about the immediate future after crushing Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-1, 6-2.

Venus Williams advanced over her world number one sibling as they met for the 19th time, winning 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3).