KUALA LUMPUR: Since his semi-final heroics at the World Championships in August, independent shuttler, Liew Daren has somewhat run out of steam.
Today, the 2012 French Open champion suffered a first round loss in Paris, going down in straight games 21-19, 21-17 to 2017 European champion, Rajiv Ouseph of England.
The defeat is Daren's third straight first round exit, since reaching the second round of the Korea Open last month.
What makes it more bitter for the Malaysian is that the victory is Ouseph's first over Daren in four meetings.
The 31-year-old, who currently represents AirAsia, will compete in the Macau Open next. He plays another former European champion, Jan Jorgensen of Denmark, in the opening round.
National mixed doubles, Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie will take to court in the French Open first round tomorrow.