Oxfordshire's Tim Henman admitted Russian Mikhail Youzhny was just too good for him after his defence of the Paris Masters Series ended with a straight-sets defeat in the third round.

The 30-year-old British No 1, who lives at Aston Tirrold, near Didcot, appeared in fine form when he thrashed Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan on Tuesday, putting on a flawless performance.

But it was a different story yesterday with Youzhny taking an hour and 17 minutes to claim a 7-5, 6-1 win over the third seed.

The only opportunity for Henman came when he was 5-4 up in the first set. Youzhny missed two forehands to give the defending champion a 0-30 lead and leave him two points away from clinching the opening set.

However, Youzhny raised his game and drew level at 5-5 before breaking Henman's serve to take the first set and then romp home in the second.

"He played great tennis and put a lot of pressure on my serve," said Henman.

"He was very aggressive, taking the shots and he played high-level tennis. That's why he won the second set and the match."

Henman will hope to show better form in the Masters in Houston from December 15 to 21.