Juan Carlos Ferrero's hope of a first ATP title was left in tatters at the China Open on Thursday when the second seed was beaten by Kevin Kim from the United States.
And China Open thus became the slayer of seeds with three of the top four' early exit.
Top seed Carlos Moya of Spain lost his first rounder to Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a fresh man in ATP tour. And Ferrero followed his fellowman's footstep to return home early in the second round after being ousted 6-4, 6-4 by American Kevin Kim, who has played just 22 ATP matches.
China Open was also an nightmare for fourth-seeded Rainer Scheuttler. He was defeated by Russian Milhai Youzhny 7-5, 6-1.
Kevin Kim was the sharper player throughout the match, breaking his opponent both in the decisive ninth game of each set to wrap up victory with an ace.
Kevin Kim
Ferrero never got the opportunity to trade breaks with three break points being wasted in both game four and eight to help his opponent secure all serves.
"I felt good at the beginning and then I was suddenly broken, while Kim played better. I got some chances in second set to break, but I just missed them and to lose the match," said the second seed.
"He is a great player on hard court with quick pace and accurate shot. Any player is likely to lose at any time for all your rivals are tough," added Ferrero.
"I got a fast pace on court, so that's why I won. Ferrero's forehand is powerful, so I tried to hit back to his backhand and he really made some errors then," said Kim.
Since reaching the final of US Open 12 months ago, the 2003 French Open champion has struggled with stomach, back and wrist injuries, while a bout of chickenpox sidelined Ferrero, who was labeled as the clay court specialist, during part of the clay court season after a stellar performance last year.
Ferrero was named in the unchanged squad on Monday for the Davis Cup tennis semi-final clash against France on September 24-26 alongside with Carlos Moya Tommy Robredo and Rafeal Nadal. The only relief for their early exit is they can have enough time to prepare for the oncoming Davis Cup.
Russia's No. 1 player Marat Safin, the 2000 US Open winner, eased into the third round after beating Chinese wildcard Lu Hao 6-2 6-2.
Marat Safin
Asian No.1 Srichaphan Paradorn and third seed Argentine David Nalbandian also advanced into the last eight.
(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2004)
