Leander Paes's [ Images ] quest for a maiden ATP Masters title suffered a faltering start as he and his Czech partner Martin Damm [ Images ] went down fighting in the opening group match in Shanghai on Sunday.

The US Open [ Images ] winning duo were beaten 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 3-6 by Australia's [ Images ] Paul Hanley [ Images ] and Zimbabwe's Kevin Ullyett in the Red Group tie in two hours and 10 minutes.

Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram [ Images ] of Israel came up with the shock result of the day. They defeated the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike of the United States, 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-1 in another Red Group match.

The season-ending Masters Cup pits the top eight-ranked players in singles and doubles, with players being divided into Red and Blue Groups, and the best two from each group advance to the semi-finals.