Andy Murray's hopes of reaching the prestigious year end championships in Shanghai were finally dashed with a 3-6 6-0 4-6 defeat to Richard Gasquet, in front of a lively home crowd in Bercy.

Both players went into the match knowing that a victory would most likely seal the elusive eighth place in the ATP Race and it showed with nervy tennis on display from the outset.

Gasquet took advantage of a slack service game from the Scot at 4-3 and clinically sealed the set without question, to the delight of the Parisian crowd. However, the young Frenchman's game and mental fortitude promptly collapsed, as he went on to lose the next set 6-0, as Murray rallied and started to play more aggressively at the right times.

The third set seemed like a replica of the first, with Gasquet dictating play from the baseline. The support from the home crowd seemed to revitalise him and he didn't disappoint as he broke the British number one midway through the set and held twice to secure the victory and the berth at the Masters Cup.

Great quote from Gasquet,

If he had not had the wrist injury Andy would have qualified for Shanghai well before this week. He would already be No5, that's for sure, and will be a permanent member of the top eight every year from now. He has a great future, he works hard and is a great guy.

Nice thing of Gasquet to say.

It's a shame he lost it after a bagel, but well done to Rich coming back from that. He made the quarters, that's already a great achievement. Screw Shanghai.

To be positive....look what he probably would have accomplished, if he hadn't been injured for so long!

I applaud Andy for his fantastic effort a getting in contention for Shanghai. If he'd beaten Robredo at Metz would he have qualified?

No it's just that we have come to expect Murray to up his game when the occasion requires it but his performance was very average.

Yeah I agree... maybe some people are not aware that the typical nature of an Internet forum is people always disagree with each other's opinion and that is what creates discussion. If you don't have that, you don't have a forum.

That's great, I respect your opinion as I hope you do of mine.

topcat, you are right im my opinion.

Andy does not deserve the comments Mark and others give him. Especially after the last few weeks of wonder.

I appreciate you clarifying your intentions, thanks.