Leander Paes's quest for a maiden ATP Masters title suffered a faltering start as he and his Czech partner Martin Damm went down fighting in the opening group match in Shanghai on Sunday.
The US Open winning duo were beaten 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 3-6 by Australia's Paul Hanley and Zimbabwe's Kevin Ullyett in the Red Group tie in two hours and 10 minutes.
Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram of Israel came up with the shock result of the day. They defeated the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike of the United States, 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-1 in another Red Group match.
The season-ending Masters Cup pits the top eight-ranked players in singles and doubles, with players being divided into Red and Blue Groups, and the best two from each group advance to the semi-finals.