An error-strewn performance from snooker star Marco Fu Ka-chun and partner Chan Wai-tat saw the Hong Kong duo bundled out of the doubles tournament by Malaysia yesterday.
Fu, hoping to bounce back from his shock second-round exit in the singles earlier this week with a good run in the doubles, was left dejected and subdued after he and Chan crashed out 5-3 to Malaysia's pair of Sam Chong and Ooi Chin Kay.
Yesterday, the 21-year-old Fu was a pale shadow of the precocious, assured talent that shook up world snooker at the British Grand Prix in October by claiming the scalps of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Peter Ebdon.
'I believe on my day I can take anyone. But I was a long way from that today,' Fu said after the defeat at the Muong Thong Thani Sports Complex.
'Perhaps I should take a day off . . . I think I played badly in every frame today.' In mitigation, it ought to be noted that this is Fu's first experience of doubles, and that he is still adjusting to the format.
'It's tough to concentrate sometimes. I get afraid that if I make a mistake then my partner will get frustrated,' he said.
The boisterous playing atmosphere at the venue will not have helped Fu and Chan either.