Liam Pitchford’s Europe Smash hopes ended in disappointment as he was defeated in the first round by Belgium’s Adrien Rassenfosse.

Pitchford (WR 51) led the first game 10-8 but was not able to get over the line as his opponent (WR 103) took the next four points.

The Belgian backed that up by adding the second 11-9, despite Pitchford closing back from 9-6 down to level the score, and Rassenfosse led throughout the third as he opened up a 5-0 advantage and then closed out the game after Pitchford had fought back to 7-6 down.

Rassenfosse’s reward is a tie against China’s world No 5 Liang Jingkun in the last 32.

Result

Men’s Singles
Round of 64
Adrien Rassenfosse (BEL) bt Liam Pitchford 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-7)