A profligate Kidambi Srikanth was knocked out of the $ 400,000 Hong Kong Open following a straight-game semifinal defeat to local favourite Lee Cheuk Yiu on Saturday.
The former world no 1 squandered six game points in the second game to suffer 9-21, 23-25 in contest that lasted 42-minutes.
It was his first semifinal appearance since making the last four at the India Open Super 500. He had finished runner-up at the event.
Srikanth fell back early in the opening game with Lee opening up a 6-1 lead. The Indian tried to catch up but failed to narrow the gap.
In the second game, Srikanth stepped up the gas taking an early 5-1 lead. However, Lee soon restored parity.
The shuttlers fought neck and neck with Srikanth surging ahead but the Indian lost momentum, eventually conceding the match.
Srikanth had beaten the 23-year-old Lee in straight games at the India Open last year in their only career meeting.
With Srikanth's defeat, the Indian challenge in Hong Kong also came to an end.
Exclusive! Pujara on how to deal with the pink ball
2nd Test: Paratroopers to present pink balls
Kohli lauds pacers after another clinical show
The secret to India's pacers' success...