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Bangkok - Andy Murray will have the experience edge when the top seed faces untested Donald Young in Sunday's final of the ATP Thailand Open.
Murray needed six match points and nerves of steel to beat long-time opponent Gilles Simon 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 in Saturday's semi-final.
He has now won his last eight matches against the third-seeded Frenchman dating to 2008. Murray will be looking for his third 2011 title after winning Queen's and the Cincinnati Masters.
The left-handed Young needed nearly three hours to upset second seed Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) and reach his first career final.
"You go into matches with him knowing that you have to work hard," said world number four Murray after his win against Simon.
"I was feeling good in the last game, but I had to stay patient and not rush. It's nice to get through into another final here," said the Scot, who played the 2005 final -- the first of his career -- against Roger Federer.
"I'm sure Donald will play tough, he went for his shots against Gael, but it's his first final and there are sure to be some nerves. I just hope I can take advantage of that."
Murray lost to the number 55 in an Indian Wells upset in March but defeated the young American in their fourth round match at the US Open.
"I know how to play and and I'll use the strategy that worked for me in New York," said the Scot.
"The final can go either way of course, but my experience should help me."
Young hung tough in the face of 13 aces from Monfils, who has not lifted a trophy in nearly a year.
The 22-year-old American, who has had a frustrating struggle from boy wonder to the senior ranks after once being tipped to succeed by John McEnroe, now has the chance for a further upset performance.
"I'm so happy to be in the final," said Young. "I'd like to take it a step farther but either guy I play is going to be very tough.
"Andy is world-class, one of the best. It won't be easy for me."
Young said he changed tactics after losing the first set against Monfils.
"I started trying to play the important points well. The first set was very physical and tough -- as was the match. But that's why you do the fitness. I'm excited with how what I've done. It's been long time coming."
Monfils and Young traded 20 break points between them in the marathon match, with Young converting on five of his 10 chances.
The American went down a break in the second set but got it back, then refused to buckle as Monfils saved two set points in the 12th game.
Young got some momentum in the decider, which he won on his fourth chance to take it into a third set. He eventually lifted victory as Monfils double-faulted to lose.
The 55th-ranked Young now stands 18-13 on the season after playing in only his second career semi-final at the ATP level.
Monfils at number nine remains the highest-ranked player not to win a title so far this season.
