Tsonga beats Andy Murray in UAE

Tsonga went into the match with an 8-1 career dearth in competitive matches.

Albeit Thursday's clash was an exhibition meeting, the 28-year-old Frenchman was happy to have secured a rare triumph.

“It's not often I take two sets off Andy, even in practice,” said the Frenchman who has been plagued in recent months by knee trouble. “I want to give my best in 2014 and perform better than before.” He added.

The Mudabala Championship continues on Friday with world number one Rafael Nadal facing fellow Spaniard David Ferrer who beat Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka 7-5, 6-1 on Thursday.

Tsonga will face World No 2 Novak Djokovic.