Greg Rusedski's dream of ending 2005 as British number one suffered a major blow as he lost in straight sets to Nikolay Davydenko in the Paris Masters. Victory would have seen Rusedski leapfrog Tim Henman in the world rankings but he was always second best against the impressive third seed.
Davydenko broke twice in each set to win 6-2 6-2 and reach the third round.
Rusedski will now look for the points he needs at a Challenger event in Ukraine in two weeks' time.
But the 32-year-old will have some work to do when he gets to Dnepropetrovsk as he still has points to defend.
"I've got one more Challenger in the Ukraine and it would be great to get the top ranking but if not then I'll do it in 2006," said Rusedski.
"That's a big deal for me to finish the year as the top player.
 |  Some days it just does not happen for you |
"It's been a good 2005. I'll be back in the top 40 and I picked up my 15th career title this year in Newport."
Rusedski never looked like upsetting Davydenko, who needs to reach the final to guarantee a place at the Masters Cup.
The Russian, who reached the semi-finals of the French Open, dominated with some fierce returning and won in just under one hour.
"Some days it just does not happen for you," said Rusedski. "And Davydenko was very motivated obviously.
"The way tennis is nowadays with the courts and the balls slowing down makes him a very dangerous rival.
"It was a losing battle for me staying back because he is obviously so good from the back.
"But then when I came forward I was getting passed. So then I tried to figure
out something to mix up.
"But from the three options I did not know which one to take. Whichever one I
chose today was the wrong one."
MMIX
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