The country's challenge at the Qatar Classic Squash Championship ended after the only player left standing, Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan lost in the opening round match of the tournament held in Doha, Qatar late Monday (early Tuesday Malaysia time).

The Manchester-based player who crossed two qualifying matches, put up a strong fight against eighth seed, Cameron Pilley of Australia before going down 5-11, 9-11 and 5-11 in the match which lasted about 52 minutes at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, according to the tournament website, www.squashsite.co.uk/qatar.

Pilley will meet Cesar Salazar in the second round next Tuesday after the Mexican scored a hard-fought 11-5, 11-8, 9-11 and 15-13 against Omar Abdel Meguid of Egypt in another first round match.

Another Malaysian player, Ivan Yuen, failed to enter the main draw after losing in Saturday's final qualifying match.

The annual Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour tournament which enters its 15th edition offers a total prize money of US$150,000 (RM 650,292). -- Bernama