Kyle Edmund runs Andy Murray close but bows out of Queen's

Kyle Edmund battled valiantly but eventually lost out to Andy Murray in the quarter finals of Queen's.

Defending champion Murray fought his way into the last four courtesy of a scrappy 6-4 3-6 6-1 victory over Edmund, the day after seeing off another fellow Brit Aljaz Bedene.

Edmund showed exactly why on the eve of this clash Murray had tipped him to break the world's top 20, producing a gritty performance steeped in encouraging signs for a bright future.

The 21-year-old claimed an error-strewn second set to force a decider against Murray, before the world number two finally reasserted his authority to ease home.

Edmund dispatched world number 18 Gilles Simon for the best win of his career in the first round at Queen's, and can leave west London proud of his week's work.

Edmund remained positive in defeat, quickly able to reflect on a big week in west London.

Edmund managed to win the first set Credit: PA

Murray quickly took his 21-year-old foe to task at the top of the tie, forcing a break in just the third game of the match. Edmund recovered to deuce from 0-40, only for Murray to complete the break with precious little fuss.

Edmund broke back immediately, with Murrray muttering to himself in frustration, but that resistance was short-lived. The world number two broke Edmund's serve for the second time to lead 4-3, pulling off a diving backhand volley to regain control.

Just when Murray appeared in rhythm at one set to the good, Edmund popped up with a break to lead the second set 3-1.

Murray's response was swift, converting his third break point to bring the set back on serve at 3-2.

But again Murray's poise eluded him, a slip on the grass proving sufficient distraction to gift Edmund another break, and the 4-2 second set lead.

When Edmund held to lead the set 5-2, ending a sequence of three successive service breaks, the tussle, and the tension, raised palpably.

Murray, who trains with Edmund, fought back to win in three sets Credit: PA

Murray hit back with a routine service hold, but could not drain all the momentum from Edmund, who remained calm enough to serve out and level the match.

Murray then brought all his nous to bear in a clinical final set however, claiming two-straight breaks before closing out the win.