Murray admits he failed to take chances

ANDY Murray’s quest to win his first title since his comeback from a hip injury was ended at the quarter-final stage of the Shenzhen Open in China yesterday.

The former world No.1 was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who had also accounted for the Scot in the US Open at the end of last month.

Murray had gone into the match on the back of an impressive win over top seed David Goffin but could not match that display against a more solid Verdasco, who broke his opponent three times.

“First set I think I had quite a few chances. Didn’t take them. When he had his opportunities he played well,” Murray said. “In the second set, he deserved to win. He served well. He was very aggressive from the back of the court and didn’t make too many mistakes.”

There was further British disappointment as Cameron Norrie’s hopes of reaching the last four were dashed by Japanese qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka.

Despite his fine run in Shenzhen including a win over top 10-ranked Borna Coric, Norrie will be disappointed to have lost to a player ranked 98 places beneath him.

Nishioka claimed a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 triumph and a semi-final meeting with Verdasco.

Seventh seed Alex de Minaur upset fourth seed Damir Dzumhur 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) to set up a last four clash with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who beat Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/1), 6-4.