The Briton moved to the top of the rankings earlier this month after a superb run of results, earning consecutive victories in Beijing, Shanghai, Vienna and Paris.

He is not assured of holding onto the spot at the close of the year, with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic looking to address a slump in form and reclaim the world number one status.

Djokovic will head into the tournament as the four-time defending champion and could equal Roger Federer’s record of six titles, having also triumphed back in 2008.

Murray, who has yet to reach the final in his previous appearances at the season ending competition for the top eight ranked available players in the world, will start his campaign on Monday when he faces Croatia’s Marin Cilic.

Their group is completed by Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka and Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who will also meet on Monday.

Djokovic will hope to move to the top of his group tomorrow, when he takes on Austria’s Dominic Thiem.

Canada’s Milos Raonic will face the unpredictable Frenchman Gael Monfils as the opening round robin matches get underway.

The eight singles players helped to launch this year’s event, which will run until the final on November 20, by visiting the historic Cutty Sark.

Murray was presented with a trophy for becoming the world number one at the legendary 19th century ship.