The defending champion, who beat South Korea's Lee Hyung Taik in the final at the Busan Games four years ago, lost his singles match in the semifinals of the men's team event at the Khalifa Tennis Courts to Go Soeda of Japan on Wednesday.

"I have decided to pull out of the men's singles at the Asian Games, because the Australian Open is more important for me," said the 53rd-ranked Srichaphan. "I must concentrate on the injured tendons in my wrist.

"I can't push myself too hard because of my wrist. I was not in fine shape and fail to play my best tennis at the team event."

He won the first set 7-6 in 49 minutes but could not hold on before losing the following two sets at 6-0 and 6-4.