One day, Paradon Srichaphan was being hailed as a future star. The next, he came crashing down to mother earth with a bump.
Srichaphan, the rising Thai and Asian star who shocked world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt on Friday, made crucial groundstroke errors in both tie-breakers against Denmark's Kenneth Carlsen to exit the AIG Japan Open after a breathtaking 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) loss in Saturday's semifinals at Ariake Colosseum.
Carlsen, who is returning from a 19-month layoff after two shoulder surgeries, will be aiming for his second tour title in his 10-year career against Sweden's Magnus Norman, who beat Vincent Spadea 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).