Andy Murray brushed aside the tame challenge of Mikhail Youzhny to claim his 14th career title at the Valencia Open.

The British number one and world number four took just over an hour to claim his sixth title of a season that has seen him establish himself among the genuine big names of world tennis.

Despite sitting out nearly two months with a wrist injury, Murray will head to next week's BNP Paribas Masters, and the big-money season-ending ATP Tour World Final in London, brimming with confidence after banking the 323,000 euro first prize.

Russian Youzhny, the world number 23, had been ranked as high as eighth in the ATP Tour standings but he was simply no match for Murray, who wasn't even playing at full capacity.

The 22-year old Scot, who has been far from his best in Spain this week, broke in the fourth game to establish control and never looked back, his canny tactics leaving his rival repeatedly flat-footed.

Murray's only previous meeting with the Russian, in St Petersberg two years ago, was a close affair but this was a one-sided romp.

Meanwhile, James Blake's 6-4, 6-3 victory over Fabrice Santoro at the Paris Masters means Murray will be denied a chance to play his favourite player in his farewell tournament.

Santoro, dubbed the Magician for his amazing array of shots, is playing in his final tournament after calling time of his career.

But he lost 6-4, 6-3 meaning Blake will now take on the world number four, who receives a bye into the second round.